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Jaguars Clear $10 Million In Cap Space After Releasing Wide Receiver

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 1:26 PM ET

Another big-name wide receiver will become a free agent.

Following a 4-13 campaign, the Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly parting ways with one of their top playermakers. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jaguars will release Christian Kirk.

Cutting Kirk will create approximately $10.4 million in cap savings for Jacksonville. The 28-year-old has a $24.1 million cap hit in 2025 with $13.65 million in dead money, per Over The Cap.

Three years ago, the Jaguars signed Kirk to a four-year, $72 million deal after he registered 982 receiving yards for the Arizona Cardinals. The second-round pick built an instant rapport with Trevor Lawrence, catching 84 of 133 targets for a career-high 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022.

However, injuries prematurely ended each of his last two seasons. He suffered a groin tear in Week 13 of the 2023 campaign and played eight games before fracturing his collarbone last October.

Kirk's production also dipped when on the field last season. He posted the lowest catch rate (57.4) of his career and fewest yards per target (8.1) since 2020.

JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 23: Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) during Jacksonville Jaguars OTA Offseason Workouts on May 23, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Kirk finished three of those games with just one catch, tallying minus-1 yard in a Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He scored his only touchdown in a Week 4 defeat against the Houston Texans.

The market continues to get saturated with high-quality wide receivers. Chris Godwin, Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, and Stefon Diggs are among the position's other notable free agents.

Kirk has a connection to one quarterback who can use a pass-catching upgrade. He and Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen are friends who frequently travel and golf together.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars found their new No. 1 wideout in Brian Thomas Jr. The rookie hauled in 87 of 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, clearing 80 total yards in each of his final seven games.

In Kirk's absence, Jacksonville can still use another receiver to help revive the offense under first-year head coach Liam Coen.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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