Jacksonville Jaguars Trade Christian Kirk to Houston Texans: A Surprising Move Within the Division
In a move that has caught many by surprise, the Jacksonville Jaguars have decided to trade their wide receiver Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans. This trade, which involves a 2026 seventh-round pick, was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. The pick originally belonged to the Rams, adding another layer of intrigue to this transaction.
Initially, there were whispers that the Jaguars were planning to release Kirk when the new league year kicks off next Wednesday. However, they managed to find a trade partner within their own division, which is a rare occurrence in the NFL. Trading within the division always adds an extra layer of drama, as these teams will face each other twice a year, and the Jaguars will now have to contend with Kirk on the opposing side.
For the Texans, this trade addresses a pressing need at the wide receiver position. Beyond their No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, the Texans have been dealing with uncertainty. Stefon Diggs is a free agent, and Tank Dell‘s availability for the 2025 season is in question following a serious knee injury last December. Dell recently underwent a second surgery to repair a torn ACL, which has left the Texans in need of reliable options at wide receiver.
Christian Kirk, who is entering the final year of his four-year contract, was set to have the Jaguars’ highest cap number in 2025 at $24.4 million, with a $15.5 million salary. This financial aspect likely played a significant role in the Jaguars’ decision to trade him. Kirk’s contract, a four-year, $72 million deal signed in 2022, initially seemed like a great investment. In his first season with the Jaguars, he set career highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108), and touchdown receptions (eight).
However, the past two seasons have been challenging for Kirk. He missed 14 games due to an abdominal injury and a broken collarbone, managing only 84 catches for 1,166 yards and four touchdowns in 20 games over that period. These injuries have undoubtedly impacted his performance and availability, making the trade a more viable option for the Jaguars.
Before joining the Jaguars, Kirk spent the first four seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft, he caught 236 passes for 2,902 yards and 17 touchdowns during his time in Arizona. At 28, Kirk still has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Texans, especially if he can stay healthy and return to his peak form.
- The Jaguars receive a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Texans.
- The Texans address their wide receiver needs with Kirk’s acquisition.
- Kirk’s contract and injury history were key factors in the trade decision.
This trade is a fascinating development in the NFL landscape, particularly within the AFC South division. The Jaguars and Texans will now have an added storyline when they face off, with Kirk playing a pivotal role in the Texans’ offense. As the new league year approaches, this trade sets the stage for more potential moves and surprises in the NFL.
ESPN’s Michael DiRocco contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
