The Washington Commanders are expected to attract significant interest from NFL players, particularly on offense, who hope to join the team and play alongside star quarterback Jayden Daniels when free agency begins on March 12.
However, it’s crucial for the Commanders to prioritize finding players who are a good fit for their system, rather than simply chasing big-name signings. Identifying talent they already know will complement their scheme should be a key focus.
One potential option is Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk, who could be released as the team looks to free up salary cap space. Kirk enjoyed some of the best seasons of his career under current Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who coached him in Arizona from 2019 to 2022.
The Jaguars significantly overpaid for Kirk ahead of the 2022 season, signing him to a four-year, $72 million contract. Now that all the guaranteed money has been paid, retaining Kirk for the 2025 season would cost Jacksonville a hefty $16.2 million.
That’s a steep price for a rebuilding Jaguars team to pay for a player who caught just 27 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown in 2024, after missing nine games due to a broken collarbone sustained in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell included Kirk on his list of top wide receivers who could be released by their current teams.
“The Commanders need to add more talent at wide receiver alongside Terry McLaurin,” Barnwell wrote on February 17. “Luke McCaffrey is expected to take on a bigger role in his second NFL season, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kirk reunite with his former coach and step into the slot for Jayden Daniels.”
Kirk dominated the SEC before heading to the NFL. A 5-star recruit from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, he became a three-time All-SEC selection at Texas A&M. During his three seasons with the Aggies, Kirk was a prolific scorer, racking up 4,832 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns.
Kirk declared for the NFL draft after three seasons at Texas A&M, forgoing his final year of eligibility. The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round, 47th overall, in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent his first three seasons as a role player before breaking out in 2021 with 77 catches for 982 yards and five touchdowns.
Kirk’s breakout season came at the perfect time, helping him land a lucrative free-agent contract with the Jaguars in March 2022, which guaranteed him $37 million.
“I love Christian,” Kingsbury told Pro Football Network that same month. “He’s one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached—he does everything the right way, works hard, and is an outstanding player.”
In 2022, Kirk delivered the best season of his career with the Jaguars, posting career highs of 82 receptions, 1,108 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He also found the end zone in both of Jacksonville’s playoff games that year.
The Commanders would likely offer Kirk a modest contract, perhaps a 1-year, $3 million deal. The reason for this low price is that injuries have significantly impacted Kirk’s performance over the past two seasons.
He missed the final five games of the 2023 season due to a core muscle injury, then broke his collarbone in 2024. A strong 2025 season with the Commanders could set him up for a larger contract in 2026.
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