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DeMeco Ryans is ready to see a healthy Christian Kirk in action for the Houston Texans this fall.
Acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, Kirk is slated to become a solid No. 2 option for C.J. Stroud in the Texans' passing game as the team looks to win its third straight AFC South title. He'll be rusty after missing the final two months of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but the Texans believe there's more left in the tank.
"I love Christian," Ryans said at the annual owner's meetings in Florida Monday morning. "It's the one thing that jumps out about him. He's a fast player. He's made a lot of nice plays in the slot, running the deep routes in the slot or the outside plays winning on third down. I'm excited to see what he brings."
The Texans could add another receiver during next month's draft, but Kirk isn't expected to be a depth option in 2025. Known for his route-running and consistency on third down, Houston expected to get him involved early across the middle of the field while taking pressure off the outside for Pro Bowl target Nico Collins.
Health will remain a significant factor in expanding Kirk's role with the Texans. After singing a four-year, $72 million extension in 2022, the former Texas A&M star lived up to the billing as Trevor Lawrence's go-to guy, setting career-highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108) and touchdown receptions (eight) during the 2022 campaign.
Since his breakout season, Kirk's missed 14 games because of injury. He missed the final five games in 2023 because of an abdominal injury, costing Jacksonville a second straight division title. Last season ahead of the trade deadline, Kirk suffered a broken collarbone and missed the final nine games.
Over his last two seasons, Kirk's posted a combined 84 catches for 1,166 yards and four TDs in 20 games.
"I think he can open up a lot of options for us on third down, especially from the inside position," Ryans said. "He can be a friendly target for C.J."
If the Texans can get the Arizona Cardinals' version of Kirk for 2025, they'll be in business. During his four seasons with the NFC West franchise, he averaged 59 catches for 725.5 yards each season. Collins is still primed for a third 1,000-yard campaign after making the Pro Bowl last season, but Stroud needs at least one more stable option now with Stefon Diggs out in New England and Tank Dell out for the year.
Kirk should provide that in the slot while helping open up the passing game. If he's moving the sticks on third down, he's doing his job accordingly.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: DeMeco Ryans excited to see Texans WR Christian Kirk 'win' on 3rd down
Continue reading...
Acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, Kirk is slated to become a solid No. 2 option for C.J. Stroud in the Texans' passing game as the team looks to win its third straight AFC South title. He'll be rusty after missing the final two months of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but the Texans believe there's more left in the tank.
"I love Christian," Ryans said at the annual owner's meetings in Florida Monday morning. "It's the one thing that jumps out about him. He's a fast player. He's made a lot of nice plays in the slot, running the deep routes in the slot or the outside plays winning on third down. I'm excited to see what he brings."
The Texans could add another receiver during next month's draft, but Kirk isn't expected to be a depth option in 2025. Known for his route-running and consistency on third down, Houston expected to get him involved early across the middle of the field while taking pressure off the outside for Pro Bowl target Nico Collins.
Health will remain a significant factor in expanding Kirk's role with the Texans. After singing a four-year, $72 million extension in 2022, the former Texas A&M star lived up to the billing as Trevor Lawrence's go-to guy, setting career-highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108) and touchdown receptions (eight) during the 2022 campaign.
Since his breakout season, Kirk's missed 14 games because of injury. He missed the final five games in 2023 because of an abdominal injury, costing Jacksonville a second straight division title. Last season ahead of the trade deadline, Kirk suffered a broken collarbone and missed the final nine games.
Over his last two seasons, Kirk's posted a combined 84 catches for 1,166 yards and four TDs in 20 games.
"I think he can open up a lot of options for us on third down, especially from the inside position," Ryans said. "He can be a friendly target for C.J."
If the Texans can get the Arizona Cardinals' version of Kirk for 2025, they'll be in business. During his four seasons with the NFC West franchise, he averaged 59 catches for 725.5 yards each season. Collins is still primed for a third 1,000-yard campaign after making the Pro Bowl last season, but Stroud needs at least one more stable option now with Stefon Diggs out in New England and Tank Dell out for the year.
Kirk should provide that in the slot while helping open up the passing game. If he's moving the sticks on third down, he's doing his job accordingly.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: DeMeco Ryans excited to see Texans WR Christian Kirk 'win' on 3rd down
Continue reading...
