New Texans WR Already Becoming a Favorite of CJ Stroud

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans wrapped up minicamp on Wednesday and have a break before returning for training camp in July.

The two practices at minicamp (June 10-June 11) gave players a chance to create connections while also building on the ones that were already built. Houston made a bunch of moves at the receiver position, and one of those additions started to stand out.

ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime wrote some takeaways from Day 2 of minicamp and called out that Christian Kirk was CJ Stroud's favorite target. Bien-Aime added that Kirk and Stroud connected a few times, with their longest reception being around 30 yards.

Christian Kirk Stood Out in Day 2 of Minicamp

Kirk is likely to step in and be this team's slot WR after getting acquired via trade in March. He wasn't the only addition to the WR room, as the team drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the 2025 NFL draft.

Regardless, Kirk is a veteran option who has secure hands. The 28-year-old has spent his seven-year career with the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars. In 93 career games (77 starts), he had 404 catches for 5,176 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns.

Kirk spent the last three years with the Jags but is already happy to be in Houston. The Texas A&M product was boasting about the culture that's in Houston.

He said, "It makes sense why they’ve won the division the past 2 years. With what DeMeco has done, the culture, the foundation, the standard.”

Training camp is next on the docket for the Texans, but this is a great way to head into the summer for Kirk. Continuing to build that rapport with Stroud will be high on the list of priorities for this offense. Collins is the only starting returning WR for Houston due to Tank Dell's injury and Stefon Diggs leaving in free agency. Kirk could be in line for a big year if he keeps up this connection with Stroud.

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