The NFL’s wide receiver market continues to surge, and the latest deal could have significant implications for Philadelphia Eagles star DeVonta Smith.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Houston Texans and two-time Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins agreed to a reworked contract that includes a $17 million raise over the next two seasons, additional guarantees, and a $27 million bonus. The agreement boosts Collins’ compensation by $9 million in 2026 and $8 million in 2027 while lowering his 2026 base salary and providing Houston with additional salary cap flexibility. More importantly, it reflects the rapidly changing economics of the NFL’s receiver market.
Before the adjustment, Collins was scheduled to earn $20.9 million in 2026 and ranked 18th among NFL receivers in annual compensation despite producing like a top-tier player. Since 2024, Collins ranks 10th in receiving yards, fourth in receiving yards per game, and has earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections while serving as C.J. Stroud’s top target.
The Texans responded by paying him accordingly. Collins is now scheduled to earn nearly $30 million in 2026 and ranks among the league’s highest-paid receivers, joining a group that includes Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, and Eagles star A.J. Brown.
Salary cap figures for #Texans receiver Nico Collins: $14.939 million in 2026, down from $27.517 million. In 2027, salary cap figures is $42.116 million. Texans could always do a longer extension after this season for Pro Bowl receiver after giving him a $17 million combined… https://t.co/OULtKQdIDG
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 29, 2026
The move also shines a spotlight on Smith’s contract situation.
When Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension in April 2024, he ranked among the league’s highest-paid receivers. Two years later, a wave of new contracts has pushed him down the list despite continued production.
According to Over The Cap, Smith now sits outside the top 15 in average annual value while Brown remains among the league’s highest-paid receivers.
Since signing his extension, Smith has done little to suggest he deserves anything less than another significant payday.
During Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning 2024 season, Smith recorded 68 receptions for 833 yards and eight touchdowns. He followed that performance with 77 catches for 1,008 yards in 2025 despite sharing targets in an offense loaded with playmakers. Combined, Smith has totaled 145 receptions for 1,841 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past two seasons. His stat line places him among the NFL’s most productive receivers during that span, even while playing alongside Brown.
The context is important.
Unlike many of the receivers earning new deals around the league, Smith is not operating as the unquestioned focal point of his offense. Philadelphia’s passing game has long been balanced between Brown, Smith, Dallas Goedert, and a strong running attack. Even so, Smith’s numbers compare favorably to those of many players earning significantly more money. That reality has fueled growing discussion about whether the Eagles should revisit Smith’s contract.
PHLY Sports’ EJ Smith recently raised the possibility during an appearance with Anthony Gargano, noting that Philadelphia has rewarded several cornerstone players with updated contracts since Smith signed his extension. Brown, Lane Johnson, Zack Baun, and Jordan Davis have all received new money from the organization.
The Eagles have historically been proactive in retaining foundational players. Smith certainly fits that description. Whether an extension arrives this offseason remains unclear. What is becoming increasingly obvious, however, is that the receiver market continues moving upward.
With Collins now joining the growing list of receivers receiving substantial raises, Smith’s contract situation may soon become one of the more intriguing financial storylines in Philadelphia.
The market has spoken again. The question is whether the Eagles are listening.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Texans reward Nico Collins as DeVonta Smith waits his turn