Houston Texans’ Joe Mixon and Nico Collins Set to Leave in January as DeMeco Ryans Reshapes Roster
As the Houston Texans prepare for a new chapter under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the team is bracing for significant changes ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Two prominent players, running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Nico Collins, are set to leave the team in January, according to sources within the organization.
Mixon, a standout running back with a history of explosive performances, had a solid tenure with the Texans but has become a target for potential departure due to salary cap concerns and shifting roster needs. With the Texans looking to restructure their backfield, Mixon’s hefty contract and the rise of younger, cheaper talent might push the team in a new direction.
Similarly, Collins, the 6’4” wide receiver who emerged as a key target for quarterback CJ Stroud, is also likely to depart. Despite showing promise and developing chemistry with Stroud in 2023, the Texans are reportedly exploring options to bolster their receiving corps, which could lead to a trade or release. Collins has been a consistent playmaker, but with the Texans’ emphasis on upgrading their roster through the draft and free agency, his future with the team looks uncertain.
For Ryans, the former linebacker turned head coach, these moves are part of a broader strategy to reshape the Texans’ roster into a more balanced and competitive unit. Ryans has expressed confidence in building a long-term winner in Houston, and the departure of Mixon and Collins reflects a wider commitment to making bold decisions as the team continues its rebuilding phase.
With key decisions on the horizon, the Texans are poised to be active in the 2024 offseason, aiming to position themselves for future success while moving away from players who no longer fit into the team’s evolving vision.
