The Jacksonville Jaguars are spiraling out of control, and the impending lost season could result in a Christian Kirk trade. Signed to a staggering four-year, $72 million deal in 2022, the wide receiver has been a productive part of Jacksonville’s passing attack for the past two seasons. During his two-plus seasons with the Jaguars, the former second-round pick has recorded 151 receptions for 2,003 yards and 11 touchdowns while playing under Doug Pederson.
However, this latest stretch of ineptitude could spell the end of his time in Florida. Doug Pederson is on the hot seat following the Jaguars embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills, and if he goes, the team will likely clear house. With only one year left on his contract and no guaranteed money beyond 2024, the wide receiver probably would’ve been cut in the offseason, especially considering the presence of first-round pick Brian Thomas and big-money free agent Gabriel Davis. If Jacksonville continues to lose, then they’ll probably trade Christian Kirk to a receiver-needy team like the Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Chargers.
Chiefs, Chargers Could Trade For Jaguars Christian Kirk
The Kansas City Chiefs are 3-0, but that doesn’t mean this team is without flaws. Through three weeks of action, Patrick Mahomes has the lowest average depth of target in the NFL. This is unthinkable for a player of his talent, and Kansas City must do something to fix this. While the high rate of two-safety looks plays a role in Mahomes’ lack of production, the lack of aerial success stems from questions at the wide receiver position. This team needs another set of hands, and Christian Kirk is one of the best players likely to be on the trade market.
Average depth of target for QBs:
Highest: Anthony Richardson 12.9
League average: 7.8
Lowest: Patrick Mahomes 5.2— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) September 25, 2024
Rashee Rice looks like a star in the making, but the former second-round pick works most of his magic in the short passing game. First-round pick Xavier Worthy, meanwhile, has a bright future but isn’t quite ready to be an everyday contributor. Christian Kirk is not an elite deep threat by any stetch of the imagination, and the trade candidate is not a 1:1 replacement for the injured Marquise Brown. He can, however, consistently make plays in the intermediate part of the field, which should open up the passing game and make life easier for Mahomes.
Saving A Stagnant Passing Attack
Jim Harbaugh is an old-school coach who tries to win football games with a strong running game and a suffocating defense. That strategy has worked thus far, as Los Angeles currently owns a respectable 2-1 record. However, you can’t go too far without a reliable passing attack, and the Chargers don’t have one. A healthy version of Justin Herbert is one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, but the former first-round pick is not at full strength. Herbert suffered a Lisfranc injury during the offseason and is fighting through a high-ankle sprain. He’ll try to suit up in Week 4, but he might not be at full strength for a while.
Youngsters Quentin Johnston and second-round pick Ladd McConkey had their moments through the first three weeks, but this team could use an experienced veteran. A Christian Kirk trade would add a reliable set of hands for Justin Herbert and a much-needed veteran voice to a young and inexperienced wide receiver room.
Main Photo: Corey Perrine – USA Today Sports
