It is critical that the Commanders choose the correct person for the job rather than simply going after the most popular names. This involves keeping a look out for athletes they know will fit within their scheme.
Christian Kirk, a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, appears to be a potential candidate for release in order to free up salary cap space. Kirk enjoyed some of his best years playing for current Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach from 2019 to 2022.
Kirk was overvalued by the Jaguars before the 2022 season, signing a four-year, $72 million contract. With all guaranteed money paid out, retaining Kirk on the roster in 2025 would cost Jacksonville $16.2 million.
That is not money the Jaguars can afford to pay a player who only had 27 receptions for 379 yards and one score in 2024 after missing nine games due to a broken collarbone suffered in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell included Kirk to his list of the best wide receivers likely to be released by their current teams.
On February 17, Barnwell wrote, “The Commanders need to add help at wide receiver beyond Terry McLaurin.” “Luke McCaffrey should have a larger role in his second NFL season, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Kirk reunited with his old coach to play in the slot for Jayden Daniels.”
Kirk Lit Up the SEC Before Leaving for the NFL. Riches
Kirk was a 5-star recruit out of Scottsdale, Arizona’s Saguaro High School before earning three All-SEC honours at Texas A&M. Kirk was a scoring machine for the Aggies, with 4,832 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns over three seasons.
Kirk left school with one year of eligibility remaining and was selected by the Cardinals in the second round (47th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. He was a role player for the first three seasons before having a breakout season in 2021 with 77 receptions for 982 yards and five touchdowns.
That was ideal timing for Kirk, who turned it into a large free agency contract with the Jaguars in March 2022, including $37 million in guaranteed money.
“I love Christian,” Kingsbury said Pro Football Network in March 2022. “He’s one of my favourite players I’ve ever been around as far as doing everything right and working hard and a tremendous player.”
Kirk set career highs for the Jaguars in 2022 with 82 receptions, 1,108 yards, and eight touchdowns, and he scored in both postseason games.
Kirk’s injuries defined the last two seasons.
The Commanders’ bets on Kirk would be small. Consider offering a one-year deal worth $3 million. Kirk’s production has been hampered by injuries over the last two seasons, which could explain why he is available for such a low price.
Kirk missed the final five games of the 2023 season with a core muscle ailment before shattering his collarbone in 2024. A solid season with the Commanders in 2025 could lead to a bigger payoff in 2026.
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