The 2024 version of the Houston Texans are absolutely loaded with talent. Part of that talent is wide receiver Nico Collins who just signed a three-year, $72.8 million extension. The extension was well deserved after Collins put up just the fourth 1,000-yard receiving season in franchise history and helped the team make a run to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Even with his deserved extension and breakout season in 2023, Bleacher Report believes there will be a drop off from Collins in 2024 as they listed him as one of their NFL Players who won't live up to the hype.
"The Houston Texans made a slew of major signings and trades this offseason to capitalize on C.J. Stroud's rapid development into a franchise quarterback. They also gave an extension to No. 1 wideout Nico Collins, who broke out last year with a career-best season.
It's hard to argue that Collins didn't deserve the three-year, $72.8 million extension he received on the heels of his 80-catch, 1,297-yard, eight-touchdown campaign. However, that might wind up being the high-water mark of his tenure with the Texans.
Collins started out the 2023 season on a high note, putting up 428 yards and three touchdowns on 22 receptions over the first four games. His production began to wane following the emergence of rookie Tank Dell, though. Collins notched only 203 yards and one score on 14 catches over the next four contests.
A season-ending injury to Dell (who had gone off for 369 yards and five scores on 25 catches over his last four starts) opened the door for Collins to take back over as the unquestionable No. 1 pass-catcher in Houston. While Collins capitalized on that lack of competition for looks in the latter stages of the season, it won't be the same story in 2024.
Not only does Dell appear poised to return, but the Texans also acquired star wideout Stefon Diggs this offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler has received at least 150 targets in each of the past four seasons with Buffalo, so he figures to command a heavy share of looks from Stroud in Houston as well.
While Houston threw on 59.1 percent of its offensive plays last season, there may be fewer passes to go around this year. The Texans also acquired former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon to lead their revitalized backfield.
With so many mouths to feed, Collins could be the odd man out and see the biggest drop in production in 2024."
All the points made here make sense. The Texans got better this offseason and with that comes plenty of more mouths to feed, especially when those players demand the ball like Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs. Throw in the fact that Tank Dell will be fully healthy at least to begin the season, along with TE Dalton Schultz looking to take another step after re-signing with the team this offseason, and Collins' lion's share of C.J. Stroud's passes definitely seem to be depleting.
