JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to release wide receiver Christian Kirk after two seasons plagued by injuries. This move is anticipated to take place by Wednesday, according to an individual privy to the proceedings, who requested anonymity due to the lack of official confirmation from either party.
Letting Kirk go will provide the Jaguars with a $10.4 million relief against the salary cap for 2025, albeit incurring $13.6 million in dead money. Kirk originally inked a four-year, $72 million contract in 2022. During his inaugural season with the Jaguars, Kirk posted career-best numbers with 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. However, injuries have kept him sidelined for 14 games since then.
In 2023, he missed the last five games due to a core muscle injury, and in the previous season, a broken collarbone while attempting a diving catch caused him to miss the final nine games. The Jaguars considered trading him around late October, but the injury impeded any potential deals. Conversations about restructuring his contract to extend his tenure into 2025 fell through, as both parties could not come to terms.
At 28, Kirk has accumulated 404 catches for 5,176 yards and 29 touchdowns over seven seasons, including four with the Arizona Cardinals. This year, he solidified his role as quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s second choice after rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr.
Now, entering free agency, Kirk joins a competitive field of available receivers, featuring notable names such as Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Chris Godwin, Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Lockett.
