With Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell out for multiple weeks last season, Nico Collins became a headliner for the Houston Texans’ passing attack.

It was fine. Houston managed to win 10 games and an AFC South division title behind Collins’ 1,000-yard season, but it wasn’t enough to advance past the divisional round for a second year with C.J. Stroud at the helm. In reality, Collins needed a running mate to alleviate the pressure.

Entering 2025, there are options for Houston, but also questions. The Texans drafted Iowa State products Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel on Day 2, who should be different elements to the club.

They also traded for Jaguars veteran Christian Kirk, who could be a slot weapon and an x-factor in moving the chains. Through just a handful of practices, the shifty pass-catcher has caught Collins’ attention.

“Everything has impressed me,” Collins said following organized team activities on Wednesday. “His work ethic, what he brings to the field, his leadership and just his advice. He is a guy that you need to get advice from. He has been around this game for a long time, so it’s only right that you learn from him. I’m glad he is a part of this unit and glad he is a part of this team. It’s only right that we build and keep going.”

Injuries derailed Kirk’s 2023 and 2024 season, thus leading to a trade this offseason between the two AFC South rivals. Last year, he played in eight games, hauling in 27 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown. The year before, he missed the final five games, leading to Jacksonville losing the division.

Houston has a No. 1 weapon with Collins, but it needs stability elsewhere. Enter Kirk, who might not reach his 1,108-yard success from 2022, but should complement Collins on the outside.

“Slot magician man,” Collins said of Kirk. “Slot magic man, he is in the slot going crazy. That’s one guy you need. Just another playmaker. Another guy in the offense that’s going to make plays and that’s one of them.”

Noel is expected to be the long-term answer in the slot and on special teams, but he could take some time getting used to playing on Sundays. Higgins, the Texans’ first pick, is another weapon planned on competitng for first-team reps on the outside, but could be slow going through his progression early on.

The Texans know what they’re getting in Kirk when healthy. He now just needs to stay on the field while impressing the right people.

“Christian has been everything we could ask for,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “You talk about a guy who is dedicated to getting better. He has honed in on his craft and he’s leading our young guys. He’s a hard worker, he shows up every day with the right attitude working hard and showing guys how it’s done.”