ESPN indicates there’s a 75% chance the Jaguars $72 million wideout Christian Kirk could be cut next month. According to the source, it seems likely Jacksonville will part ways with the wide receiver as he enters the final year of his contract. The deal includes $16.5 million salary for 2025 but his future with the team is uncertain. Originally selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Texas A&M product joined the Jaguars in 2022 hoping to establish as a reliable wideout for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
However, after losing Kirk for the majority of 2024 due to injury, it’s fair to say the Jaguars see him more as a liability. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy in 2023 as well after missing five games with a core muscle injury. Even though the veteran was limited, he was able to put up 379 receiving yards and one touchdown on 27 receptions. These are not big numbers so it’s easy to see why the team could be better off without him since he isn’t able to stay healthy. The good news is the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr. could be a huge reason why it’ll be better for the Jaguars to move on and rebuild a new supporting cast behind him.
With that, Kirk is aging as well so it might be time to depart from each other. Last offseason, the Jaguars made moves to improve the wide receiving department after signing Gabe Davis to a three-year deal. The same scenario could happen for them this offseason. Here are five teams that could take a chance on Kirk.
ESPN: Jaguars $72 Million Veteran Christian Kirk “75% Chance” To Be Cut – 5 Teams May Pursue Him
Possible Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
While the Dallas Cowboys have the biggest need at the running back position, they need an answer alongside CeeDee Lamb. An aging Brandin Cooks is hitting the market while they’ll most likely re-sign KaVontae Turpin, the team needs a consistent weapon to help open the aerial attack for Dak Prescott. Kirk might not provide much of a difference but he’s coming off an injury and could carve out a role in this offense.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints don’t have money to burn and while Chris Olave has the chance of not returning, the team needs a new wideout in the worst possible way. No matter if Derek Carr returns as well, the team should put the offense in the best possible position. Kirk is an obvious upgrade than Rashid Shaheed so he has the spotlight to turn up the lights in New Orleans.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the weapons for quarterback Bryce Young look promising this upcoming season. Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are future wide receivers who have a great chance to do well. However, Kirk joining the Panthers could fortify the passing game for Young.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens did try to address the wide receiver position last year after trading for Diontae Johnson. However, the plan fell short, especially when the team was without Zay Flowers for the postseason this year. Kirk is coming off an injury but he could be less of a distraction in the locker room.
Los Angeles Chargers
As for the Chargers, they could use just about any wide receiver. Ladd McConkey is the only set of reliable hands while Quentin Johnston is depleting. Kirk is a fine replacement that could help McConkey with experience.
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