The Jacksonville Jaguars are the early leader for the NFL’s biggest spender in the 2022 NFL Free agency cycle. First, they signed All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff. Now, they’ve agreed to terms on a four-year, $72 million deal with wide receiver Christian Kirk.
The #Jaguars aren’t done. They are expected to sign former #AZCardinals WR Christian Kirk to a large deal, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
Christian Kirk was considered one of the top free-agent wideouts on the market this year, and it’s clear the Jaguars are implementing a plan to surround quarterback Trevor Lawrence with all the tools he needs to succeed. And while I appreciate general manager Trent Baalke’s effort, I’m not sure the Kirk deal makes dollars and sense.
Sure, Kirk is a solid player. He totaled 77 catches for 982 yards and five touchdowns in 2021; he’s totaled 11 touchdowns over the last two seasons. But I don’t think anyone would confuse Kirk for one of the NFL’s top players at his position, yet, at $18 million per season, he’s certainly being paid like one.
The #Jaguars are making moves. They’ve signed Christian Kirk to a “large deal.” pic.twitter.com/aSvfrpcNyQ
— Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal) March 14, 2022
The Jaguars’ wide receiver depth chart is in a state of flux with D.J. Chark marketing his services to potential suitors in free agency, and third-year pro, Laviska Shenault, hasn’t developed according to plan. Veteran Marvin Jones was solid in 2021 but is entering the final year of his contract in Jacksonville this season.
That makes Kirk the offense’s obvious choice to be WR1, and to me, that seems like a bit of a stretch.
