An offseason of change was all but certain after the 2024 Jacksonville Jaguars finished 4-13 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Players on both sides of the ball struggled, including elements of the passing attack, as Jacksonville finished bottom-ten in passing yards.
One player who struggled was 28-year-old receiver Christian Kirk. After recording 57 catches for 787 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, Kirk finished the 2024 season with just 27 catches for 329 yards and one touchdown. Both finishes were a far cry from the 84-catch, 1,108-yard, eight-touchdown masterclass Kirk put on in 2022, his first season with the team.
Many analysts speculated how Jacksonville would handle Kirk in the offseason, but all speculation can cease.
Jaguars Releasing Christian Kirk
The Jaguars are planning to release veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Kirk will join a loaded wide receiver free agency crop that features players like Chris Godwin, Davante Adams, Keenan Allen, and Amari Cooper.
Aside from Kirk’s declining production, he’s also suffered more injuries. Kirk started all 17 games for the 2022 Jaguars, but only suited up for 12 contests in 2023 and eight in 2024.
Although the veteran’s production on the field has declined, the Jaguars were likely driven to part ways with him because of the financial impact. By releasing Kirk, Jacksonville will save over $10.4 million against the salary cap in 2025.
The transaction officially marks the beginning of general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen’s leadership at the franchise’s helm.
The move leaves Jacksonville with five wideouts on the roster – Parker Washington, Devin Duvernay, Brian Thomas Jr., Tim Jones and Josh Reynolds.
Releasing Christian Kirk will save the Jaguars over $10,4 million agains the cap. Kirk now will become a free agent in an increasingly crowded WR market. https://t.co/ERoSmzI92I
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
The Jaguars signed Kirk to a massive four-year, $72 million deal in 2022 when the wideout was coming off a 77-catch 972-yard effort the previous season for the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals drafted Kirk in Round 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Things got off to a great start the next season with Kirk posting a career year, but injuries limited the veteran in the past two campaigns.
For his career, Kirk has amassed 404 receptions for 5,176 tards and 29 touchdowns.