Houston Texans secure massive contract extension with top playmaker
IT'S A DONE DEAL!
28 May
IT'S A DONE DEAL!
After trading for Stefon Diggs, many wondered how that could impact a contract extension for their top receiver in 2023, Nico Collins. Well, we don't have to wonder anymore.
Breaking: The Texans have agreed to a contract extension with WR Nico Collins, per league sources. The new three-year deal will pay him around $24 million per year. https://t.co/ifwypUKTJk
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 28, 2024
The Athletic's Dianna Russini is reporting that Collins has agreed to a 3-year contract extension at $24 million per year with Houston.
KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson has been told by a league source that the deal has a $75 million maximum value, that includes $52 million guaranteed.
Nico Collins' $75 million max value deal includes $17 million signing bonus, per a league source @KPRC2 https://t.co/ooMeZyTiCB https://t.co/leEGxL7TFO
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 28, 2024
Collins (age 25) was a third-round pick out of Michigan in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s coming off his best season, in which he recorded 80 catches for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.
Nico's catch to open the final regular season game against the Colts was our favorite play from him in 2023.
It took @CJ7STROUD only one play. 75-yard TD to @lbg_nico7! #WeAreTexans
📺: #HOUvsIND on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/C88VYpgzkh pic.twitter.com/FJGmqbmH6F
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
What's yours?
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.