The Houston Texans strengthened their wide receiver unit on Thursday by acquiring veteran wideout Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick, according to a league source.
Kirk will join Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins, giving the Texans a much-needed boost at the position. With Stefon Diggs expected to test free agency while recovering from a torn ACL, and Tank Dell sidelined for the season after undergoing multiple knee surgeries, Houston prioritized reinforcing its receiving corps this offseason.
Originally set to be released, Kirk, a former Texas A&M standout, will remain in the AFC South with the division champions. His acquisition mirrors the Texans’ trade for Joe Mixon last season, when they secured the Pro Bowl running back before his expected release and signed him to a contract extension.
Kirk, 28, was a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals before signing a four-year, $84 million deal with Jacksonville three years ago. He carries a $15.5 million base salary for the upcoming season, along with additional incentives and bonuses.
Last season, Kirk was limited to eight games due to a collarbone injury, recording 25 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown. However, when healthy, he has proven to be a productive receiver. In 2022, he had a career-best season with 85 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. Prior to that, his most productive campaign with the Cardinals came in 2021, when he logged 77 catches for 982 yards and five touchdowns.
Now fully recovered, Kirk is expected to play a key role in the Texans’ passing attack as they aim to build on last season’s success.
