Back in 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars were in dire need of playmakers. Then-general manager Trent Baalke didn't hesitate to make a splash, bringing in several proven players in free agency. Some of them worked out better than others, but there's no doubt that Christian Kirk had an immediate impact.
Kirk immediately became Trevor Lawrence's most trusted target. He also set new personal highs in several receiving categories. However, injuries would hinder the former Texas A&M Aggie the following two years. By 2025, the Jags had seen enough and traded him to the Houston Texans.
Although Kirk had his moments in Houston, the Texans let him go in 2026. He bolted for the San Francisco 49ers, but there's a realistic chance he won't make their 53-man roster next season.
Christian Kirk could be a roster cut (or start the season on PUP)
Christian Kirk hasn't been able to practice because he's been dealing with a calf injury since Day 1 of training camp. His availability, or lack thereof, makes him a realistic cut candidate. On the other hand, releasing him would create only $300,000 in space and leave $2.7 million in dead money. This is why Peter Panacy at NinerNoise suggests San Francisco place him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the season.
This move would allow Kirk to get back at full strength while freeing up a roster spot. Sure, the 49ers can afford to eat up the dead money, but they're already missing Ricky Pearsall for the year, so they could certainly use Kirk once he gets healthy.
Either way, Kirk hasn't been able to recreate the success he enjoyed during his three-year stint in Duval.
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The Jaguars managed to squeeze a good season out of Christian Kirk
The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they signed Christian Kirk. At the time, he had never had a 1,000-yard season and had only had more than 900 yards in a season once. But despite his lack of production, Jacksonville gave him a top-market deal.
Other teams weren't pleased, as Kirk's contract raised the salaries at receiver. But the Jags didn't care. In fact, Trent Baalke said at the time that they signed him because of what he could do rather than what he previously did with the Arizona Cardinals. He turned out to be right.
Kirk reeled in 84 catches for 1,108 yards with eight touchdowns, all career bests, in 2022. He was on pace to post his second 1,000-yard season in 2023 before he suffered a collarbone injury in Week 13 that cut his year short. Unfortunately, the Scottsdale, Arizona native once again dealt with injuries in 2024. Coupled with the ascension of Parker Washington, he became expendable in Jacksonville.
Now, Christian Kirk is having a bit of trouble keeping his NFL career going, but there's no doubt that at least for a season, he seemed like a star in the rising.
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