The Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to release wide receiver Christian Kirk, per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

The writing was on the wall for this decision to be made. Releasing Kirk will save the Jaguars over $10 million in salary cap space, and he has missed 14 games due to injuries over the past two years. Kirk appeared in just eight games in 2024, recording 27 receptions for 379 yards and one touchdown.

Many felt that Jacksonville overpaid for Kirk when signing him to a four-year, $72 million contract back in 2022. However, the early returns were positive, as he caught 84 passes for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with the Jags. Despite all the games he has missed, Kirk has remained productive when healthy.

He was a natural fit for former coach Doug Pederson’s offense, but it appears that new coach Liam Coen will go a different direction. Many have speculated that Jacksonville could make a run for Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin, who is set to hit free agency next week. Coen coached Godwin during his time as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator last season.

The Jags will need a solid No. 2 WR to complement Brian Thomas Jr., who is coming off an excellent rookie season. Coen recently stated that he will build the passing game with Thomas as the centerpiece. Bringing in a veteran like Godwin would help open things up for Thomas, and give quarterback Trevor Lawrence a much-need second receiving option.

As for Kirk, he will certainly have a market for his services. He is still just 28-years-old and is one of the better slot receivers in the league when healthy. Kirk also brings special teams value with 70 career kick returns.