The deal: 1 year, up to 6 million with incentives
The player: Collins is a 6'2, 308lbs DT who is best suited as a 3-tech in a 4-3. He showed tons of potential with the Cowboys from 2016-2019, racking up 14.5 sacks and 40 QB hits. However, he was pretty horrible with the Raiders in 2020, registering 0 sacks and only 1 QB hit.
He dealt with a shoulder injury that held him back and only played 46% of the snaps under now fired DC Paul Guenther. He is one of the many Raiders defenders who had a poor 2020 season and have now moved on, looking for a better fit.
The fit: Collins is perfect for the Texans new 4-3 defense and his role will ultimately define his success on the team. He needs to be attacking 1-on-1 blocks instead of double teams. His biggest value will come through getting after the QB, something we desperately need. He's not a strong run defender, so I would expect him to rotate snaps with other DTs.
The grade: (B+) Collins is the exact type of high upside-prove it deals that Nick should be giving out. 3-tech DT is arguably the most important position in Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 and it was a dire need. While full contract details have not been made official, it will be a heavily incentivized one, which likely will not cost the full 6 million.
Below are plays that showcase the type of player the Texans are hoping to rediscover with Collins. His explosiveness and quick hands makes him a dangerous pass rusher.