There's been lots of speculation about Christian Kirk's future with the Jacksonville Jaguars. There's now a bit more clarity.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reveals that the Jags plan to release Kirk. The move will leave $13.6 million in dead money but free up a much-needed $10.4 million in cap space.
Jaguars plan to release veteran WR Christian Kirk, per source. pic.twitter.com/h5zYXuUElD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
The Jags currently have around $38 million in space but releasing Kirk would give them an extra amount to make a couple of splash signings in free agency. It's also worth noting that the news doesn't come as a surprise. After all, he's been one of Trevor Lawrence's most trusted targets since signing with the Jags in 2022.
However, the Arizona native has suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries each of the past two years. Add the fact that Parker Washington played well in his absence, and it's easy to see why the Jags are ready to move on.
A second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, Kirk signed with the Jaguars in 2022. At the time, the move raised eyebrows because he got top-market compensation despite the fact that he had never registered more than 1,000 yards in a season. That said, he had immediate success in Duval, registering 84 receptions for 1,108 yards with eight touchdowns, all career bests.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Kirk's production the past two seasons. Moreover, the Jags were already planning to move on from him in 2023, engaging in trade talks to send him to the Pittsburgh Steelers before he suffered a collarbone injury.
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
What's next for the Jaguars after they release Christian Kirk
Parker Washington proved to be a capable replacement for Christian Kirk last year, hauling in 32 receptions 390 yards with three touchdowns. He could step in his place, but that shouldn't deter the Jacksonville Jaguars from making upgrades to their wide receiver corps.
After all, 2024 free-agent acquisition Gabe Davis left much to be desired last offseason, and aside from Brian Thomas Jr., the Jaguars don't truly have anyone who'll draw extra attention from opposing defenses.
Given that Chris Godwin also lines up in the slot and previously played for head coach Liam Coen, signing him in free agency makes sense. The issue is that he's coming off a serious ankle injury and is expected to have a robust market. Another option would be to target Tet McMillen at No. 5 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Although McMillan isn't a burner, his flexibility to play anywhere across the line of scrimmage would make him an enticing addition to Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons. Either way, the Jaguars have options to replace Kirk.
The bottom line is that the Christian Kirk signing didn't work the way the Jaguars planned, but instead of dwelling in the past, they're moving on.