The Houston Texans have reportedly signed defensive tackle Maliek Collins, a rare bright spot in their otherwise disappointing 2022 season, to a new two-year extension.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the agreement is worth $23 million and comes with $20 million in guarantees. Collins had one year left on a two-year, $17 million deal he signed back in 2022.
Collins started 15 games last season and had 3.5 sacks, 10 QB hits, and two pass deflections. He also posted a career-high in tackles with 37 while being a key piece in run defense. The Texans were almost four percent more successful against the run when he was on the field versus when he was on the sidelines.
The new Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans previously spoke highly of Collins, praising him and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins for their work ethic during the team’s mandatory minicamp.
“They work every day,” Ryans told reporters. “They’re consistent, right? They’re accountable to their teammates. That’s who I want around, guys we can count on, guys we know what they bring to the party.”
Maliek Collins entered the league as a third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. He played out his rookie contract in Dallas and spent one year with the Las Vegas Raiders before signing with the Texans in 2021.
