News broke of the Jacksonville Jaguars cutting Christian Kirk. The veteran receiver was heading into the final year of his contract, but he will be searching for a rebound instead. Now the Pittsburgh Steelers could be on the prowl.
Kirk's time in Jacksonville started with scrutiny after he inked a massive contract in Florida with limited production. He could never live up to his contract, but he managed to overachieve in Jacksonville.
No one should expect Kirk to have a lucrative market in free agency. He is a cap casualty who is coming off a broken collar bone. He was limited to eight games last season, and the Jaguars believe they are better with him off the roster. Most believe his clear path to rebound in the NFL could be with Pittsburgh. They have a recent connection that could land him with Mike Tomlin.
Omar Khan tried his best to land an upgrade at receiver before the trade deadline. Not much materialized, and he settled for Mike Williams. Before he landed Williams, all signs pointed to the Steelers acquiring Kirk for a mid-round pick before the deadline passed. Kirk suffered a season-ending injury the week before the deadline, and the trade fell apart.
Expect Khan and Tomlin to have interest in bringing Kirk into the building.
Pittsburgh Steelers could circle back to former Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk as a free agent
When the Steelers show interest in a player either in the draft process or the trade market, you better keep them in your mind. Perhaps they won't land a player then, but they could target them during their career. Kirk is next up with that logic, as he should be a cheaper option as a free agent who could boost their receiving core.
His age isn't a problem, as they prefer to sign free agents who are under 30. The star receiver is only 28, and his prime years should still be in front of him. Adding an experienced receiver on offense should be a simple solution. Kirk shouldn't be demanding exorbitant money on his next contract after being a cap casualty.
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Fans across Steelers Nation would love to see the franchise invest more money on offense. They have too many holes on offense to address them in the draft. Expect a couple of moves in free agency to transpire. Kirk might be a great addition if he comes at the right price. They must be absolute with his fit in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme.
You'd like a top receiver above what Kirk would add to the roster. He still has speed and can be a reliable starter. He might not be the top outside receiver that Pittsburgh is looking for. His best choice could be working in the middle of the field. Kirk would be a nice signing in free agency to bring starting experience to a starting role, but he shouldn't be your only addition.