The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to be mentioned in trade fodder, and not the kind that would get fans excited.
While some of the NFL’s biggest names are reportedly being shopped, like Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, NFL analysts continue to mention the 1-4 Jaguars as likely sellers as the league’s Nov. 5 trade deadline approaches.
Key Jaguars starters like pass rusher Travon Walker and running back Travis Etienne have been discussed as potential trade targets for Super Bowl hopefuls.
Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com recently tossed another name on the pile: wide receiver Christian Kirk.
Here’s why Benjamin included the veteran slot receiver as one of his seven big-names likely to be made available at the deadline:
It seems unlikely the Jacksonville Jaguars would unload arguably their most reliable wideout at a time Trevor Lawrence and Co. are working to overturn an ugly 0-4 -- now 1-4 -- start. Then again, Kirk costs a lot, and Brian Thomas Jr. is bursting onto the scene. Might they prefer to reallocate resources, if another team comes calling with an offer? He could be a prime candidate to take up slot duties elsewhere.
Kirk has made $18 million per year on average since signing his four-year deal with Jacksonville in 2022. That’s a hefty price tag for a slot receiver, even one with Kirk’s production.
The 27-year-old is under contract through 2025, carrying a cap hit north of $27 million next season. Come November, if the Jaguars have fallen out of contention in the AFC, and they can move Kirk without taking on a portion of his remaining salary, it might make sense for Trent Baalke to consider a deal.
But if Jacksonville can return home from London with a pair of wins, it’s hard to see them even entertaining a proposal like this. The receiver room is uninspiring behind Kirk and star rookie Brian Thomas Jr., and fellow starter Gabe Davis has struggled to catch on.
If the Jaguars want to prove they’re not among the worst teams in the NFL, they’ll need their top guys, like Kirk, to step up and lead them.
More Jacksonville Jaguars news:
Evan Engram injury updates: Latest on Jaguars tight end for Week 6 vs. Bears
Travis Etienne Jr. injury updates: Latest on Jaguars running back for Week 6 vs. Bears
NFL insider: Jaguars win over Colts saved Doug Pederson’s job, for now
NFL picks, predictions Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears
NFL power rankings Week 6: How high should Jaguars climb following first win of 2024?
