# Let’s Get REAL About Marlin Klein + Nico Collins’ Texans Future. Over/Under 9.5 Wins For Houston?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-texans-daily-podcast-on-the-houston-texans-52881/let-s-get-real-about-marlin-klein-nico-collins-texans-future-over-under-9-5-wins-for-houston
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-texans-daily-podcast-on-the-houston-texans-52881/let-s-get-real-about-marlin-klein-nico-collins-texans-future-over-under-9-5-wins-for-houston.md
Podcast: [Locked On Texans - Daily Podcast On The Houston Texans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-texans-daily-podcast-on-the-houston-texans-52881)
Published: 2026-05-12T01:59:04+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-texans/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/de6246/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/6f716782-2a27-4145-9fbb-3de5b45b2aa7/episodes/54bd365c-dcf5-4047-bab0-3274223d1cab/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=6f716782-2a27-4145-9fbb-3de5b45b2aa7&awEpisodeId=54bd365c-dcf5-4047-bab0-3274223d1cab&feed=eO87ZWbO
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Duration seconds: 1998

## Resource

On today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we’re having the uncomfortable — but necessary — conversation about the future of Nico Collins in Houston. The reality is simple: Nico WANTS to stay with the Texans. The problem? Houston eventually has to pay BIG CONTRACTS. CJ Stroud.Will Anderson Jr.Derek Stingley Jr.AzeezAnd eventually the rest of this young core. At some point, the bill comes due. Nico Collins is already one of the most underpaid star receivers in football, and while he may love Houston, is it realistic to expect another hometown discount when the WR market keeps exploding? And there’s another layer to this conversation Texans fans can’t ignore… 🏈 What happens if Tank Dell returns healthy and becomes the passing game’s true X-factor again?🏈 What if Jayden Higgins takes a major leap?🏈 Could Houston eventually convince itself it can move forward without Nico Collins? It’s a tough conversation, but it’s a real one. Plus, we get realistic about rookie tight end Marlin Klein. Texans fans are excited about the upside, but what does a SUCCESSFUL rookie season actually look like for Klein? His impact may go far beyond catches and touchdowns. Houston clearly views him as a high-upside developmental weapon, but patience is going to matter with a raw prospect adjusting to the NFL. We break down:🔥 Reasonable expectations for Marlin Klein in Year 1🔥 Why his role may not show up in the stat sheet immediately🔥 What would actually count as a disappointing rookie season🔥 Why Houston believes his ceiling is worth the gamble AND:📉 Is the Texans’ projected 9.5 win total fair?📉 Are national analysts still skeptical about Houston’s offensive line and offensive consistency?📉 Or are the Texans being underrated AGAIN after back-to-back playoff appearances?

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## Transcript

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