Who Should I Start? Nico Collins or Ricky Pearsall

Wednesday, March 5, 11:10 AM

The Houston Texans restructured the contract of star wide receiver Nico Collins, clearing $9.8 million in salary cap space for 2025. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, it was a simple restructure. Last offseason, Collins signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension with Houston following a 1,297-yard receiving season. The former Michigan Wolverine posted 1,006 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games in 2024. With Stefon Diggs likely out of Houston entering next season, Collins is poised for another strong year as quarterback C.J. Stroud's No. 1 wide receiver.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.