Interest in Jaguars' offensive stalwart soaring as NFL trade deadline approaches

It doesn't look like the Jacksonville Jaguars will be sellers ahead of the trade deadline, but that hasn't reportedly stopped teams from inquiring about one of their players. In fact, the Jags may be open to listening to offers if they lose to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that with Cooper Kupp off the market, Christian Kirk is one of a handful of receivers drawing plenty of interest ahead of the November 5 deadline. The others are Diontae Johnson and Mike Williams.

"It wouldn't be a surprise to see at least one of -- and possibly both -- Johnson and Kirk traded by the NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline, continuing a trend of wide receiver being the most in-demand and tradeable position."

Among the clubs that could potentially inquire about Kirk are the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Schefter believes that Jacksonville could entertain offers for him if they lose to Green Bay.

As Schefter points out, there has been no shortage of demand for wide receivers in 2024, noting that Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, and DeAndre Hopkins have also changed teams in recent weeks. That's why it's easy to understand why Kirk could have a robust market ahead of the deadline.

A second-round pick in the 2018 draft, Kirk joined the Jags in 2022 and quickly became one of Trevor Lawrence's most trusted targets. The former Texas A&M Aggie hauled in 118 receptions for 1,895 yards with 11 touchdowns the past two years. After a slow start to 2024, he's caught 25 receptions for 320 yards with one touchdown.

If Jacksonville decided to trade Kirk, he would leave $8.7 million in dead cap in 2024 and $13.5 million next year. On the other hand, it would free up $15,4 million in space.

Not long ago, Schefter's colleague Dan Graziano suggested that Kirk could be one of many players the Jaguars could trade before the deadline if things go sideways. Similarly, Cody Benjamin recently suggested that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inquire about him after losing Chris Godwin to a season-ending injury.

The Jaguars have an in-house replacement for Christian Kirk in Parker Washington

As Adam Schefter noted, the Jacksonville Jaguars could warm up to the idea of trading Christian Kirk before the deadline. One reason apart from the cap savings is that they've already got an in-house replacement for him in sophomore Parker Washington.

A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, Washington barely got playing time early in his rookie season but saw an uptick in snaps when Kirk suffered a core injury that forced him to miss the last four games in 2023. The former Penn State Nittany Lion finished with 15 receptions for 132 yards with two touchdowns.

Washington often earned praise from the coaching staff in the offseason. He later showed his improvement in the preseason, hauling in a 25-yard touchdown reception and returning a punt for 74 yards. But despite making strides the Texas native only got a featured role until Devin Duvernay landed on Injured Reserve. Right off the bat, he made the most of his chances, taking a 96-yard punt return into the end zone in the win over the New England Patriots.

If the Jags were to trade Kirk, Washington would most likely step in his place. After all, both of them mostly operate in the slot. On the other hand, it would also make sense for the front office to hold onto the veteran wideout if they believe it could increase their odds of potentially making a playoff role. Apart from being a dependable player, he's one of their leaders in the locker room.

Ultimately, the Jacksonville Jaguars will have options when it comes to Christian Kirk. Everyone will have a clearer picture of the course of action they plan to take after the Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

More Jaguars analysis here: