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Christian Kirk

Steelers, Jaguars Discussed WR Christian Kirk Trade

November 2nd, 2024 at 9:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers have yet to make a major receiver addition in 2024, but the team continues to be linked to several pursuits on that front. A number of targets have emerged with respect to a potential trade, and Christian Kirk appears to have been one as well prior to his season-ending injury.

The Steelers had Kirk on their radar before he suffered a broken collarbone, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Taking things a step further, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds a “reasonable chance” existed that Pittsburgh was going to land him given the status of negotiations. Now, of course, the team’s attention will need to turn elsewhere.

Kirk consistently found himself in trade rumors this year, despite the fact he is under contract for 2025. None of his base salary for that year is guaranteed, so an adjustment of some kind could have been in the cards for an acquiring team. Instead, the 27-year-old will aim to recover in time for the start of next year, which will be his fourth in Jacksonville.

After failing to land Brandon Aiyuk during the summer, the Steelers have been connected to many other pass-catching options. Connections were made to the likes of Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp leading up to the trade deadline, with the same being true of a more realistic target like Mike Williams. The Jets may be more inclined to retain Williams with Allen Lazard on injured reserve, but even in that event other wideouts could still be available. A recent report indicated Pittsburgh is also interested in the Broncos’ Courtland Sutton and the Giants’ Darius Slayton, no strangers to trade speculation.

The above-referenced report from Schefter indicated that the Steelers, who are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a WR upgrade, are also interested in the Panthers’ Adam Thielen. Thielen has been on IR since late September due to a hamstring injury, but his practice window was recently opened. As a a 34-year-old receiver on a Carolina outfit in the early stages of a rebuild, playing on a thru-2025 contract that contains no guarantees after the current campaign, Thielen is an obvious trade candidate.

Questions were raised during the offseason about the Steelers’ WR room after Diontae Johnson was traded away and Allen Robinson was released. The likes of Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller were added as depth options on the free agent market. Those newcomers are joined in the organization by third-round rookie Roman Wilson, who has been limited to only one game so far and was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

That has left an increased workload available to Calvin Austin, who has seen nearly as many targets through eight games in 2024 (25) as he did in 17 contests last year (30). The 2022 fourth-rounder has averaged 18.4 yards per catch, making him a capable vertical threat to complement George Pickens. Austin has also had success as a punt returner, headlined by last week’s special teams touchdown against the Giants.

With just under $10MM in cap space, the Steelers could afford to be in the market for a wideout addition and Schefter’s report adds the team is not expected to stop seeking a trade partner in the wake of the potential Kirk deal falling through. Pittsburgh’s offense could stand to see an uptick in efficiency in the passing game, something which could of course take place with an extended run for Russell Wilson at quarterback. His list of pass-catching options could nevertheless still expand in the near future.

Rory Parks contributed to this post.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/2/24

November 2nd, 2024 at 7:30pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s minor NFL moves including standard gameday practice squad elevations for Sunday’s slate of games:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints

Philadelphia Eagles

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Jags’ Christian Kirk Suffers Broken Collarbone

October 27th, 2024 at 8:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jaguars’ receiving corps will be shorthanded moving forward. Christian Kirk suffered a broken collarbone on Sunday, as first reported by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

As a result of the injury, Kirk will miss the remainder of the season. His absence will hinder Jacksonville’s passing attack as the 2-6 team looks to rebound during the second half of the campaign. Of course, this news also means one of the top receivers still on the trade block will not be on the move.

Kirk was unable to eclipse 1,000 yards in any of his four Cardinals seasons while he played out his rookie contract. As a result, it came as a surprise when he inked a four-year, $72MM in free agency to join the Jaguars. Over time, that pact has aged well given the financial waves seen elsewhere at the receiver position. The size of the investment made in Kirk on the Jags’ part does, obviously, underscore the impact his absence will have.

The 27-year-old posted strong production during his debut Jacksonville campaign, setting new career highs in catches (84), yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight). Kirk was limited to 12 games last year, but he remained an efficient contributor with a 13.8 yards per reception average. The receiver position saw a number of changes this offseason, but he was expected to remain a focal point on offense.

Kirk had a number of quiet games in 2024, although he also enjoyed a three-week stretch with 79, 61 and 88 yards as the Jaguars struggled to find a rhythm on offense. The team overcame multiple deficits in Sunday’s loss to the Packers and managed 27 points (without Kirk having a highly productive outing), but a postseason berth remains unlikely at this point. While that will continue the speculation surrounding head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, Kirk’s attention will turn to recovery.

The Texas A&M product drew interest on the trade front, although Jacksonville has not aimed to sell off veteran players ahead of the deadline. Nonetheless, a report from this weekend named Kirk as one of the wideouts who could still be expected to be on the move provided the right offer was made. The WR market has thinned out with Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins being dealt. Now that Kirk will be unavailable, other receivers like Diontae Johnson will receive increased attention on the trade front.

Kirk is due $16.5MM next season, but none of his base salary for the year is guaranteed and he is set to carry a cap hit of over $24MM. An adjustment or extension of some kind could be in order during the offseason as a result. In the meantime, Jacksonville will rely heavily on first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and free agent addition Gabe Davis at the receiver spot. Returner Devin Duvernay is currently on IR, but once healthy he could handle a rotational role on offense.

WR Notes: Kirk, Thielen, Rams, Chiefs, Pats

October 27th, 2024 at 11:07am CST by Sam Robinson

Diontae Johnson is viewed as the most likely receiver domino to fall between now and the November 5 trade deadline, but Christian Kirk continues to be a name to monitor. The Jaguars wideout was mentioned as a player drawing interest earlier this month, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that has continued, naming the seventh-year veteran alongside Johnson in terms of the receivers who have generated the most trade buzz following the Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins swaps.

Kirk brings an element Johnson does not, as he is signed through 2025. Playing on the four-year, $72MM pact that received scrutiny at the time, the Jags slot receiver now merely sits 25th in receiver AAV. Kirk’s 2022 free agency deal helped ignite the WR market that year, and another boom took place this offseason to render the Jacksonville deal an upper-middle-class pact. Kirk is 27 and attached to a $14.5MM base salary, which will be an issue for teams, as more than $7.5MM will remain for an acquiring team post-Week 8.

Although Kirk’s per-year number has dropped considerably on an exploding market, the Jags do have both Evan Engram and Gabe Davis signed to eight-figure AAVs. They also used a first-round pick on Brian Thomas Jr. this year. Kirk served as Trevor Lawrence‘s most trusted target in 2022 and ’23; as Thomas has shown considerable promise, Kirk has caught 25 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown this season.

Here is the latest from the WR ranks:

  • Add Adam Thielen to the list of Panthers potential trade chips at receiver. While Johnson is likely to go and Jonathan Mingo is viewed as a player who may not be a long-term fit, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport mentions Thielen as a candidate to be on the move as well. This would add up, as Thielen is 34 and tied to a through-2025 contract that does not have any guarantees remaining for next season. Thielen topped 1,000 yards for a woeful Panthers team last season, residing as Bryce Young‘s clear-cut top target. The ex-Viking’s follow-up effort, however, included an IR stay for a hamstring injury. Carolina has not yet activated the 12th-year veteran from IR. Injuries and age will limit Carolina’s return, but the three-time 1,000-yard pass catcher would only be owed barely $2MM if acquired before the deadline.
  • Tutu Atwell‘s role will diminish with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. The diminutive Rams receiver indeed saw his snap share on offense plummet from 78% in Week 7 to 12% Thursday night. Atwell has shown flashes for the Rams, but he has not delivered extended stretches of reliability. Los Angeles did not have the former second-round pick among its top three receivers during last season’s stretch run, and ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop notes he is unlikely to be extended before his contract expires in March. This could make Atwell a trade candidate, though given the Rams’ back-to-back wins and their WR health issues, it would make more sense for the team to hang onto the contract-year player.
  • It could be a while before Skyy Moore returns to the Chiefs. Andy Reid said (via The Athletic’s Nate Taylor) this week the former second-round pick will need to have his core muscle injury “fixed”; the defending Super Bowl champions placed Moore on IR this week. Viewed as a starter to open last season, Moore could not hold up in that role and did not factor into Kansas City’s six-game win streak to close the year. While playing more due to the injuries to Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice early this season, Moore does not have a catch in 2024.
  • The Patriots made Javon Baker a healthy scratch last week, marking the third straight game that has happened for the rookie. Baker appeared to miss or show up late for a team function in London, as ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss mentions an itinerary “hiccup” took place to help lead the fourth-round pick to the sideline once again. Baker could have a path up New England’s depth chart if Kendrick Bourne and/or K.J. Osborn are moved, but he has played in just two games as a rookie. Baker is active for Week 8.

WR Christian Kirk Drawing Trade Interest; Jaguars Not Planning To Be Sellers?

October 4th, 2024 at 10:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

A high-profile receiver trade is expected to take place relatively soon with Davante Adams known to be available. He may not be the only veteran pass-catcher who changes teams before the trade deadline, though.

The Jaguars are receiving interest on Christian Kirk, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post details. That comes as no surprise given the team’s 0-4 record to start the year. Questions loom over the job security of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, and more losses over the coming weeks could lead to the team adopting a seller’s standpoint.

For now, however, La Canfora adds Jacksonville has rebuffed trade interest for veteran players. The team is looking to retain a number of core players in the hopes of rebounding during the immediate future. If one or both of Pederson and Baalke were to be let go, though, Kirk could become a more feasible trade target for contending teams. The 27-year-old has already been floated as a candidate to be moved before the November 5 deadline, with the Chiefs and Steelers representing potential destinations.

“They’re going to add a receiver before the deadline, for sure,” one general manager told La Canfora when speaking about the Chiefs. “I think it’s going to be Christian Kirk. He just looks like an Andy Reid receiver. He really fits what they do.”

With Marquise Brown out until at least the playoffs and Rashee Rice dealing with what may be an ACL tear, receiver is an obvious position for Kansas City to target in the event a midseason move is made. Pulling off a deal with the division-rival Raiders for Adams (whose preference is the Jets) would be challenging for the Chiefs. Kirk is among the other options who could make a notable impact down the stretch and through the playoffs if he were to be added to the fold, however.

The former Cardinals second-rounder took a free agent deal with Jacksonville in 2022. The terms of that four-year, $72MM pact came as a surprise to many at the time, but the top of the receiver market has since seen multiple surges in value. Kirk delivered a strong debut Jags campaign, totaling career highs in catches (84), yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight). He was limited to 12 games last season, but be still remained a high-end option in the passing game by averaging 13.8 yards per catch.

The 2024 campaign saw Kirk record only one reception in each of the first two contests; the Texas A&M product has made 15 catches since then. Unlike a number of other players who could be on the move shortly, Kirk’s deal runs through 2025. None of his base salary ($15.5MM) for next year is guaranteed, however, so a new arrangement could be made shortly after arrival with an acquiring team.

Suitors would take on a prorated portion of Kirk’s $14.5MM salary for this season in a deal. That figure could become manageable closer to the deadline in particular, but it remains to be seen if the Jaguars will authorize deals sending him and other veterans elsewhere over the coming weeks.

Steelers To Be Active In Non-Davante Adams WR Market?

October 3rd, 2024 at 10:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers are one of several teams which has been connected to a Davante Adams acquisition. The Raiders All-Pro wants to be dealt to the Jets, however, and other suitors such as the Saints (with quarterback Derek Carr and receivers coach Keith Williams) represent other attractive destinations.

Even if Pittsburgh does not wind up adding Adams over the coming weeks, though, the team could still be in the market for a wideout. ESPN’s Dan Graziano expects the Steelers to be a contender (albeit likely an outside one as things stand) for the six-time Pro Bowler in terms of pursuing a trade agreement. Other veterans could be on the team’s radar as the trade deadline approaches, though.

Graziano names DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk as wideouts who could be on the move over the coming weeks. The Titans and Jaguars have combined to win only one game in 2024, and both teams could be sellers in the build-up to the November 5 deadline. Sitting at 3-1 on the year, by contrast, the Steelers could be in the market for a veteran pass-catching addition if they can continue their strong start. Bringing in an accomplished receiver would also fit given how Pittsburgh’s offseason played out.

While replacing the entire quarterbacks room was the central element of how the spring played out for the Steelers, the team traded away Diontae Johnson and released Allen Robinson. That left a vacancy for a starting spot opposite George Pickens, and the team made a sustained push to acquire Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers standout vetoed the agreement Pittsburgh and San Francisco made to finalize a trade, ultimately remaining in the Bay Area. Since then, questions have loomed about the Steelers’ secondary WR options.

The likes of Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller and third-round rookie Roman Wilson have handled depth WR roles so far. With Justin Fields leading the way, Pittsburgh has mainly relied on the ground game while ranking just 20th in passing yardage. Adding an accomplished receiver could add to the team’s offense, although finances would of course need to be taken into consideration.

Hopkins is a pending free agent as his current pact includes three void years. The 32-year-old is attached to a salary of $8.27MM, so an acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of that figure. Hopkins had a strong debut campaign in Tennessee (1,057 yards, seven touchdowns), although his usage has taken a downturn early in 2024. The former Texan and Cardinal could be moved if he were to remain healthy, especially given Tennessee’s long-term investment in Calvin Ridley this past offseason.

A teammate of Ridley’s in Jacksonville, Kirk delivered on his eyebrow-raising contract in 2022. The former second-rounder saw his production take a step back last season, though, one in which he was limited to 12 contests. Kirk, 27, had a slow start to the current campaign but has totaled 15 receptions over the past two games. He is owed the remainder of his $14.5MM salary in 2024; one year remains on his pact beyond that, but it does not include guarantees and carries a cap hit of over $24MM. An adjustment upon arrival or in the spring would thus be required for an acquiring team to commit to a Kirk trade.

With roughly $10.5MM in cap space, the Steelers sit mid-pack in terms of financial flexibility at the moment. A move aimed at adding a veteran receiver could be feasible (especially later in the year, as the remaining salary on players’ deals decrease), but it will be interesting to see if general manager Omar Khan significantly changes the team’s roster if Pittsburgh continues to find success with the current offensive setup.

Chiefs Considering WR Acquisition?

September 30th, 2024 at 10:15pm CST by Ben Levine

With Rashee Rice potentially out for the season and Marquise Brown sidelined until at least the playoffs, the Chiefs may have to look for outside help at wide receiver. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport expects the Chiefs to “go out and look at options” at the position, with a trade being “at least” in consideration.

[RELATED: Chiefs Fear ACL Tear For WR Rashee Rice]

Rapoport notes that the Chiefs front office is generally “open minded” and considers every opportunity as they look to plug holes, so a trade would surely be a logical route for the WR-needy squad. Rapoport points to the team’s sudden acquisition of Kadarius Toney in 2022, which came as the organization was navigating a post-Tyreek Hill era.

One potential name that Rapoport points to is Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Titans are currently 0-3, and if they continue going the wrong way in the standings, there’s a good chance the veteran wideout will be available at the trade deadline. Rapoport also notes that popular trade candidate Amari Cooper could fit the Chiefs payroll thanks to his low base salary, but the reporter rejects the idea of Jaguars wideout Christian Kirk fitting into the cap sheet.

Rookie first-round WR Xavier Worthy got into a career-high 45 snaps yesterday and will likely join Travis Kelce as one of Patrick Mahomes‘ preferred targets moving forward. The team has also leaned on the likes of Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster for about half of their offensive snaps through the first month of the season, and Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman got extended cameos yesterday after Rice was knocked out of the game. Rapoport notes that Brown could return to the Chiefs in time for the postseason, but it’s unlikely the offense will be hanging their hopes on the injured receiver.

As for Rice, Josina Anderson reports that the receiver is seeking “at least” a second opinion on his injured knee in an attempt to “gather additional information.” The Chiefs have also discussed “potential windows for surgery.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that there “remains uncertainty” surrounding the extend of Rice’s injury, and more tests will be required before the team can set a definitive timetable.

Jaguars To Activate WR Christian Kirk

January 6th, 2024 at 11:21am CST by Ben Levine

As the Jaguars prepare for a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Titans, the team could be welcoming back a key member of their offense. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars are planning to activate wide receiver Christian Kirk from injured reserve. Kirk returned to practice earlier this week.

Kirk underwent core muscle surgery only a month ago, but the Jaguars are planning to activate him after a minimum stay on injured reserve. While the wideout is expected to join the active roster, Rapoport cautions that Kirk is still listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision tomorrow.

“I’m feeling better day by day and just kind of taking it from that standpoint right now,” Kirk said this week (via the team’s website). “I’m just trying to progress every day and do the best that I can to get out there if I can.”

After putting up career-best numbers during his first season in Jacksonville, Kirk has continued his production into 2023. He’s actually increased his receiving yards per game (65.2 to 65.6), receiving success rate (52.6 to 57.6), and catch percentage (63.2 to 67.1), and in his 12 appearances, he’d hauled in 57 catches for 787 yards and three scores. Pro Football Focus has graded him 45th among 125 qualifying wide receivers this season, with the site also giving him a top-15 positional grade for his pass blocking.

Zay Jones has been sidelined for two of Kirk’s four missed games, forcing the Jaguars to lean on their depth behind Calvin Ridley. Tim Jones, Parker Washington, Elijah Cooks, and Jamal Agnew have all seen an increase in snaps over the past few weeks.

While Kirk’s availability will need to be watched, much of the focus in Jacksonville will surround the status of Trevor Lawrence. After missing the first start of his career last weekend, the quarterback practiced on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a sprained AC joint on Christmas Eve.

Jaguars Designate Christian Kirk For Return

January 3rd, 2024 at 8:37am CST by Sam Robinson

Christian Kirk‘s Week 13 injury has made a considerable impact on the Jaguars’ passing attack. The sixth-year wide receiver underwent core muscle surgery, a procedure that threatened his availability for the rest of the season. But the Jags still have a chance to see Kirk return to action.

Jacksonville designated Kirk for return from IR on Wednesday, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Considering this is the first week Kirk could return to practice, the 2022 free agency addition being ready this soon represents a somewhat surprising development.

The former Cardinals second-rounder was believed to need more recovery time. With the Jags in danger of missing the playoffs, they will see how their slot target looks ahead of a win-and-in Week 18 showdown. The Jaguars will face the Titans on Sunday. A win would give them a second straight division title for the first time since the franchise’s back-to-back AFC Central crowns in 1998 and ’99. The team may need some injury timetables to break right to have a good shot at hanging onto this hope.

While the Jags were able to win without Kirk, Zay Jones and Trevor Lawrence, they faced the Panthers in Week 17. Although the Titans have not won a game in the AFC South this season, they represent a more formidable obstacle compared to Carolina. Lawrence did not practice last week, missing his first NFL game, and Jones has not played since Week 15.

Kirk went down in the first half of the Jags’ overtime loss to the Bengals. Illustrating Kirk’s impact, Jacksonville (9-7) entered that Monday-night game 8-3. While Lawrence’s run of setbacks has impacted the Jags during this span as well, the team has struggled offensively for most of the past month without its $18MM-per-year pass catcher. After his first 1,000-yard season, Kirk was on pace for a second prior to the injury. He compiled 787 yards on 57 receptions, scoring three touchdowns in his second Jaguars season.

The Jags defeating the Titans would ensure two AFC South teams qualify for the playoffs, with Saturday night’s Colts-Texans matchup a win-and-in game. If Tennessee upsets Jacksonville, the winner of the Houston-Indianapolis matchup would claim the division title. Lawrence’s availability will be paramount for the Jags, and the prospect of Kirk being back as well would obviously bolster their chances of salvaging their season with a playoff berth.

Jaguars Place WR Christian Kirk On IR

December 8th, 2023 at 10:43am CST by Adam La Rose

Already known to be facing a multi-week absence, Christian Kirk is now in line to miss an extended stretch. The veteran wideout will be placed on injured reserve, head coach Doug Pederson said on Friday (via Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network). The team has since announced the move.

Kirk will undergo core muscle surgery, a procedure which will shut him down for a critical stretch in the season. With the surgery now confirmed, attention will turn to the 27-year-old’s recovery process. By virtue of being moved to IR, an absence of at least four weeks is now guaranteed. The Jaguars will be without a major part of their offense as a result.

Kirk leads Jacksonville in receiving yards (787) this season, and he also ranks first on the team amongst wideouts in receptions (57). A recovery timeline of up to eight weeks has been floated in his case, something which would end his season unless the Jaguars managed to make a run to the Super Bowl. Coming back along a shorter timeframe could still allow him to return to the lineup in time for the team’s regular season finale, though.

In any event, Kirk’s absence will be acutely felt on an offense which has struggled to consistently produce through the air this season. The former Cardinal has eclipsed 84 receiving yards five times in 2023, his second season in Duval County. His first year with Jacksonville – brought about by the four-year, $72MM deal which raised plenty of eyebrows at the time it was signed – produced a career-best statline of 84-1,108-8.

Year 2 with the Jaguars was likewise proving Kirk’s presence as an integral member of the team’s passing attack. The presence of trade acquisition Calvin Ridley will help offset Kirk’s absence, though a sizeable gap exists between Ridley and Jacksonville’s next most productive wideout (Zay Jones, who has posted 186 yards on 18 catches). Tight end Evan Engram and running back Travis Etienne will be increasingly counted upon with Kirk not in the picture.

Of course, quarterback Trevor Lawrence‘s status is also up in the air after he left Monday’s game with a high ankle sprain. The former No. 1 pick has not been ruled out for Week 14, but he has work to to during practice to convince the coaching staff to continue his streak of having not missed a game in his career. Regardless of who is under center for Jacksonville in the immediate future, though, Kirk will not be available.

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