Trade for Christian Kirk Kicks Off What Will Be a Busy Offseason for Texans

Wideouts are expensive and a mock draft before free agency hits

The Houston Texans started what should be a busy offseason by acquiring a starter at wide receiver.

The Texans sent a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade for Christian Kirk. The veteran wide receiver was set to be released, but as the Texans did with Joe Mixon last year, late-round compensation kept the player from hitting the open market.

Houston now has a veteran wideout who, when healthy, is productive. There will be no bidding war for Kirk’s services.

Among the options available, Kirk was a solid one. He was a good player in his time with the Arizona Cardinals before signing a massive contract with the Jaguars three years ago. Injuries affected the overall production of the past two seasons but his 2021 season was excellent. He went over 1,000 yards and scored eight touchdowns.

Kirk is the new slot receiver for Houston. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley is no stranger to the investment in that particular area. He coached in New England which prioritized the position with Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. Caley was also recently in Los Angeles where the Rams had Cooper Kupp and then Puka Nacua.

If healthy, expect Kirk to be productive. A collarbone injury ended his season 2024 season mid-year. A core muscle injury affected his 2023 season. Both are unique freak injuries and are not considered to be recurring.