Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk has played in the shadow of greatness since entering the NFL in 2018. So, 2022 free agency brings the potential of not only a change in scenery but a change in roles. We project Kirk’s free agent contract and list potential landing spots ahead of the start of the league year.
Christian Kirk: Free agency overview
Kirk is 32nd on Pro Football Network’s list of 2022 Top 50 Free Agents and seventh among wide receivers behind Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Mike Williams, Odell Beckham Jr., Michael Gallup, and Allen Robinson.
He’s never really been the guy for the Cardinals, and that’s appropriate considering the presence of Larry Fitzgerald and DeAndre Hopkins on the roster during his time as a pro. But Kirk has proven to be a more-than-capable NFL slot receiver, catching 236 passes for 2,902 yards and 17 touchdowns in four NFL seasons.
Recapping Kirk’s 2021 season
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).
Kirk’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Kirk, a second-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2018, has significantly outplayed his rookie contract ($7.5 million in career earnings). But now 25 years old and just entering the prime of his career, Kirk is poised to go up a tax bracket or two.
Spotrac estimates his next contract will come in at $47.6 million over four years, which would make him the NFL’s 19th highest-paid wide receiver. The Cardinals will have to free up some space to keep him (and not do much other business). Their cap balance as of Feb. 22 was just $2.7 million over the limit.
Possible landing spots for Kirk
The Valley of the Sun is Kirk’s home. He was born in Scottsdale, just 40 minutes from State Farm Stadium. Plus, he played his college ball at Texas A&M, so extreme cold isn’t really in his blood.
Consequently, Kirk could have to choose between comfort and money if he reaches the open market. The Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns are among the teams that could have an interest in free agency. All three need help at wide receiver. The Packers do, too.
What they’re saying about Kirk
“What he brings is becoming increasingly more valuable in the league. With the emergence of match-based zone-coverage schemes, deep over routes from the opposite slot are becoming more prevalent. Those crossing patterns are where Kirk feasts. But he’s no slouch as a route runner, either. He’s improved his footwork over the years and has become more consistent in his ability to gather and drive for separation.” — Pro Football Network analyst Dalton Miller