Grade the proposal: Jaguars trading Christian Kirk comes with pros and cons

The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to a rough start to the 2024 NFL season. One big reason has been their inability to get their offense going. Trevor Lawrence has certainly played a role but he's not their only player who's underperformed. Wide receiver Christian Kirk has also left much to be desired. Maybe that's why Dan Graziano of ESPN believes he could be a trade candidate.

Graziano recently speculated on a handful of players who could change teams before the No. 5 deadline. Although he gave no reason, he included Kirk.

A second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, Kirk inked a four-year deal worth $72 million with the Jags in 2022. At the time, the signing raised eyebrows because the former Texas A&M Aggie hasn't had a 1,000-yard season. Yet, he was paid top-market money. Analysts and league executives went as far as saying that he would destabilize the market.

However, Kirk wasted no time silencing his critics, posting career bests for receiving yards, catches, and touchdowns in a season in his first year donning the Jaguars uniform. He was also having another productive campaign in 2023 but a core injury ended it prematurely.

Vowing to remind everyone how good a player he is, Kirk spent the offseason working on getting back in shape. Along the way, he suffered a calf injury, which prevented him from partaking in a couple of preseason bouts. But despite the setback, he was ready for the opener.

Unfortunately, Kirk hasn't had the impact he envisioned, logging a measly 30 yards on two catches the past two games. Given that he's been a key cog on offense the past two years, it may be a tad early to write him off. That said, he's certainly been disappointing. Does that mean the Jaguars should move on from him? About that...

Why the Jaguars should (shouldn't) trade Christian Kirk

At first sight, it wouldn't make sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars to move on from Christian Kirk. After all, they aren't in rebuilding mode and need playmakers if they want to have a chance of righting the ship. Sure, the veteran wideout isn't off to a great start but that doesn't mean he should be given the boot.

The fact that trading him would create just $1.7 million but would accelerate $22.5 million in dead money could give the team's brass pause. Moreover, what kind of return would Jacksonville would get? Dan Graziano doesn't specify.

Given that Kirk is not doing well right now, his stock may not be particularly high. At this point, maybe the Jags would get a sixth-round pick. Still, general manager Trent Baalke likes to hoard draft selections, so maybe he would entertain the possibility.

For the sake of the argument, let's say the Jags do shop Kirk, they would pave the way for sophomore Parker Washington to join the starting lineup. A sixth-round pick in last year's draft, the former Nittany State Lion made a strong impression in the preseason as a receiver and a returner. It's fair to assume that he's ready for a bigger role on offense. Then again, he isn't a proven commodity like his veteran counterpart.

Ultimately, the Jaguars would unload one of their biggest contracts on the payroll, get a late-round selection, and promote Parker Washington. That feels like a mixed return, one the Jaguars may not be interested in.

Grade: C-

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