Expectations were high for Nico Collins entering the 2025 NFL season, and rightfully so. Now that Stefon Diggs is in New England, there’s limited competition for targets in Houston. Add in a talented young quarterback in CJ Stroud, and there was no reason to assume Collins wouldn’t be a WR1 this season.
Even the best laid plans of fantasy football pundits don’t guarantee success. Against the Rams on Sunday, Collins only recorded three catches for 25 yards. For some, a quiet stat line can create cause for concern. For opportunistic managers, this is the perfect time to orchestrate a blockbuster trade. Ahead of Week 2, let’s break down the pros and cons of making a deal for Houston’s star wideout.
Should you trade for Nico Collins?
Sure, everyone would like to have Nico Collins on their roster, regardless of what occurred in Week 1. The question is what managers are willing to give up for him, and what the other party would demand in return.
Before answering those questions, it’s important to remind ourselves of what kind of player we’re dealing with. If not for a hamstring injury in Week 5, Collins may have finished 2024 as the overall fantasy WR1. Through 12 games, the Michigan alum hauled in 68 catches for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. Since 2023, Collins has averaged 83.1 receiving yards per game, putting the 26-year-old in rare company. Only Justin Jefferson (94.7), CeeDee Lamb (92.5), Puka Nacua (89.9) and Ja’Marr Chase (86.8) have been better during that time.
Receiving yards are always welcome, especially in PPR formats. However, what separates elite wideouts from great wideouts is what they do in the red zone. Collins, at 6’4″ and 222 pounds, was built to haul in touchdowns. In just 27 games over the past two seasons, he’s scored 15 different times. Compared to the rest of Houston’s pass catchers, the veteran offers a rare mix of experience and size.
Obviously, Week 1 was a complete dud, even in terms of targets (five). Still, I’m willing to bet the Texans look a lot better going forward. Stroud remains one of the NFL’s most talented passers, and this offense revolves around Collins’ skillset. Veteran Christian Kirk (hamstring) missed the season opener; his skills out of the slot could open things up. In addition, Houston’s running game remains a bit murky with Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) sidelined. That should lead to a steady dose of pass attempts until(?) the backfield is completely healthy.
That’s not to say there isn’t any potential downside. After all, Collins hasn’t played 17 games throughout his four-year NFL career. Nagging injuries have become a constant, so managers will need to have a quality backup on their bench. In addition, the Texans only ranked 16th in total yards per game last season (329.4). That’s not bad per se, but elite wide receivers tend to require elite offenses. At this point, there’s no guarantee that Houston will be among the sport’s top passing attacks.
Who should I trade to get Nico Collins?
Trading for a stud wide receiver sounds nice, but what should you give up to make it happen? It depends on both your roster and who you’re trading with. A more reactionary manager might be inclined to ship off Collins for a package of good, but maybe not great, players. Perhaps a combination of a running back and wideout taken between the third and fifth round? That includes names such as:
- Kyren Williams
- Ladd McConkey
- Tyreek Hill
- James Cook
- Omarion Hampton
- Tee Higgins
- Breece Hall
- Alvin Kamara
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Terry McLaurin
- Garrett Wilson
- Mike Evans
- Chuba Hubbard
Most combinations of those two, at the very least, should entice someone rostering Collins. It might take throwing in a less impactful third piece, but you could start a dialogue. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to buy low on Houston’s WR1, but it’s certainly worth a shot.
