The Houston Texans opted for a different approach earlier this offseason in addressing their wide receiver unit. Instead of going after Davante Adams or re-signing Stefon Diggs in free agency, the Texans looked towards the trade market.
The trade market offered a couple of intriguing options, including Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel. But the Texans stayed within the division, acquiring veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 28-year-old Kirk is coming off a down 2024 season with the Jaguars, marred by injury, as he only played in eight games due to a broken collarbone. That said, the veteran wide receiver is healthy and already making a notable impression on Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2.
"Everything, everything has impressed me, Ryans said. His work ethic, what he brings to the field, his leadership and just his advice. He is a guy that you need to get advice from. He has been around this game for a long time.DeMeco Ryans
So, it’s only right that you learn from him. I’m glad he is a part of this unit and glad he is a part of this team. It’s only right that we build and keep going."
That experience should help the Texans this season as they need Kirk to not only be the No. 2 WR alongside Nico Collins but also help rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who will have notable roles within the offense.
If Kirk can fill that WR2 void, it could pay huge dividends for the Texans’ offense in 2025, but also boost the veteran’s value.
Last year with the Jags, he had 27 receptions (47 targets) for 379 yards and a touchdown. It wasn't what anyone expected from Kirk, who has been a solid WR3 during his career.
When he joined Houston, Kirk had the last year of his contract restructured by the team, which reportedly created $12 million in cap savings.
The veteran’s base salary is $1.17 million for the 2025 season (league minimum) with a $14 million signing bonus. He also has a ton of incentives for catches and yards this season before reaching free agency in 2026.
That said, the veteran wide receiver has a lot to play for in 2025 and is already off to a good start in OTAs, which will hopefully lead to more success down the road.