Should the Texans re-sign Christian Kirk? He offers playoff heroics and a potential bargain deal, but his regular season production faltered.
As is the case every offseason, the Houston Texans have a litany of notable players that will be free agents as of March 11th.
Full free agent list:#
Christian Kirk
Jimmie Ward
Denico Autry
Sheldon Rankins
Derek Barnett
E.J. Speed
Foley Fatukasi
Tommy Townsend
Tim Settle Jr.
Nick Chubb
M.J. Stewart
Braxton Berrios
Dare Ogunbowale
Ed Ingram
Kurt Hinish
Naquan Jones
Leki Fotu
K'Von Wallace
Christian Harris
Damone Clark
Ja'Marcus Ingram
Trent Brown
The team can't keep everyone, it's just the harsh reality of the team building in the NFL on a year-to-year basis. That's why it's so important for teams to capitalize on on every opportunity they can to win at the highest level when the chances present themselves.
The Texans didn't do that this year, but they have the makings of a team that could retool in the Summer and make another run at a first-time Super Bowl trip. With that in mind, let's take a look at one key free agent and a case for both a "keep" or "release" scenario for Houston.
Christian Kirk (Wide Receiver)#
Wide receiver Christian Kirk was acquired by the Texans in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason for a seventh-round draft selection. He was envisioned to line up alongside receivers Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins and others as a sure-handed veteran presence who could threaten defenses primarily from the slot position.
The Case for Letting Kirk Walk#
Statistically, the 5 foot 11 inch pass-catcher had the worst year of production overall in his eight year career.
- 13 games played (most since 2023)
- 28 catches (second-lowest of career)
- 52 targets (second-lowest of career)
- 239 yards receiving (lowest of career)
- 8.5 yard average (lowest of career)
- 1 touchdown (tied for lowest of career)
- 47-yard as his longest catch (shortest of career)
Considering the low investment in Kirk, as well as the impending return of wide receiver Tank Dell, it might just make more sense to allow Kirk to test the market and look for a team that would afford him more of a pathway to be featured prominently.
The Case for Keeping Kirk in the Fold#
Kirk exploded for a career high 144 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC WIldcard round, and he was also the one who caught Houston's lone touchdown reception against the New England Patriots in the Divisional round (Kirk's 144 yards are the most for a Texans receiver in a playoff game in franchise history).
Thus, Kirk showed that he could be a dependable receiving option in the passing game in high pressure scenarios.
Also, Spotrac projects Kirk to warrant a contract in the ballpark of one year, $5.4 million.
All things considered, a "prove it" deal like that would be a bargain for a team that needs as many playmakers as they can find (at worst, receiving depth in times of injuries/rest).
What do you think the Texans should do with Kirk in free agency? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB on X and @Texans.Roundtable on TikTok!