It doesn't look like the Jacksonville Jaguars will be making other moves after trading Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seattle Seahawks. This makes sense when you take into account that they're trying to steer the ship in the right direction. That said, some of their players could garner interest before the November 5 deadline. In fact, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should inquire about one of their offensive mainstays.
Benjamin drew up a list of players that could be dealt before the deadline, and had the Bucs trading for wide receiver Christian Kirk, pointing out that they need a replacement for Chris Godwin, who's out for the season.
Kirk mostly operates from the slot, which is why Benjamin thinks he would be the ideal replacement for Godwin.
"Two years removed from a 1,100-yard breakout as Trevor Lawrence's top target, Kirk has been less involved since the Jacksonville Jaguars spent a first-round pick on Brian Thomas Jr., and his squad could be motivated to recoup assets at 2-5. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is suddenly in dire need of reinforcements for Baker Mayfield, with No. 1 Mike Evans sidelined due to a hamstring injury and fellow starter Chris Godwin done for the year with an ankle issue. Kirk's proven slot skills could make him an easy fit."
With Mike Evans sidelined, Godwin was the Buccaneers' top target on offense. However, he suffered an ankle injury in Week 8 that will cut his season prematurely. Without their best receivers, Tampa Bay is scrambling for help at the position.
NFL fined Ravens LB Roquan Smith $16,833 for the hit it believed to be a hip-drop tackle that dislocated Chris Godwin’s ankle. pic.twitter.com/Eg1eAwOen8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2024
As Benjamin stated, Kirk has been one of the Jags' most productive players the past two years. He crossed the 1,000-yard mark in 2022 and would've reached it again last season if he hadn't suffered a core injury that forced him to miss four games.
After a slow start to 2024, the former Texas A&M Aggie has once again been his old reliable self, hauling in 23 catches for 291 yards. But as dependable as he's been, there's a reason why he could be a trade candidate: Parker Washington.
A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, Washington made plays as a receiver and punt returner in the preseason. That's carried over into the regular season. Filling in for Devin Duvernay, the former Penn State Nittany Lion had a 96-yard return for a touchdown in Week 7.
However, Washington doesn't get much playing time on offense because he's behind Kirk on the depth chart. Barring injury to his veteran counterpart, the sophomore receiver won't get many targets this season. That could be solved by trading Kirk.
Apart from paving the way for Washington, dealing the Arizona native would free up $15.4 million in cap space, while leaving $8.7 million in dead money in 2024 and $13.5 million next year.
The Jaguars have options when it comes to trading (or not) Christian Kirk
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't the only team that could inquire about Christian Kirk. The Baltimore Ravens have also been dubbed a perfect fit for the Arizona native. That said, the Jacksonville Jaguars won't probably be willing to trade him unless the compensation is too good to pass up.
The Jags are currently 2-5 and trying to keep their season alive. They'll need all the help they can get and trading Kirk would decrease their chances of potentially making the playoffs. Aside from being one of Trevor Lawrence's most trusted targets, the seven-year pro is a veteran voice in the locker room.
Granted, the Jags could get a fourth-round selection for Kirk. That seems like a solid return if they want to amass future draft picks. On the other hand, holding onto him could help them in a playoff push.
Ultimately trading Kirk (or any other core contributor) would come down to what the Jags want to do. Do they want to make the playoffs? They're better off keeping him. Build for the future? Entertaining offers before the deadline is the best course of action.