The blockbuster deal that wide receiver Christian Kirk is set to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars once NFL free agency opens on Wednesday at 4 PM ET is having a seismic effect on the WR free agent market, including the likes of Green Bay Packers pass catcher Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Christian Kirk’s contract details with the Jaguars
The former Arizona Cardinals receiver’s deal has a maximum value of $84 million with a $72 million base value. Kirk will receive a $20 million signing bonus, guaranteed base salaries of $1.5 million and $15.5 million in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and salaries of $14.5 million and $15.5 million in 2024 and 2025.
Additionally, Kirk will see an annual $500,000 workout bonus, up to $500,000 per year in per-game active roster bonuses, and $3 million in annual incentive clauses, according to league sources.
On a related note, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract with a $10 million signing bonus and salaries of $2 million, $11 million, $8.5 million, $10.5 million, and $10.5 million. He gets a $1 million annual roster bonus and a $2.5 million annual escalator clause for 70 catches, 1,100 total yards from scrimmage, plus the team advancing to the playoffs, per sources.
Kirk came in 32nd on Pro Football Network’s list of 2022 Top 100 Free Agents and seventh among wide receivers behind Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Mike Williams, Odell Beckham Jr., Gallup, and Allen Robinson.
Kirk’s contract year was a career year. With Hopkins hurt much of the season, Kirk was the Cardinals’ leading receiver (77-982-5). Kyler Murray looked for Kirk downfield in a way he hadn’t before, with Kirk averaging 9.8 yards before the catch per reception with an aDOT (average depth of target) of 11.6. While Kirk struggled a bit with drops (6 on 103 targets), he set a career-high mark in passer rating when targeted (112.2).
How does Christian Kirk’s contract affect Marquez Valdes-Scantling?
Meanwhile, a strong market is expected for Valdes-Scantling. He should do well, but he probably won’t be as expensive as Kirk, though. He drew interest from the Jaguars before they agreed to terms with Kirk.
Valdes-Scantling has drawn interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers, according to a league source.
A former fifth-round draft pick, Valdes-Scantling had 73 targets and 581 receiving yards. He didn’t drop any passes in 2021. In 2020, he had 20.9 yards per catch. Additionally, he has 14 career touchdowns.