The Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans in a trade aimed at addressing their injury-hit receiver group. With key players such as Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster all dealing with injuries, the Chiefs sent a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Titans to secure Hopkins, adding a much-needed boost to their offense.
Bringing in Hopkins gives the Chiefs a new top option at wide receiver, providing quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a reliable and experienced playmaker.
But even after this significant move, it seems Kansas City might not be done reshaping their receiving corps. Reports have surfaced linking the team to Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Christian Kirk, hinting that the Chiefs could be looking to add yet another piece to their offense.
“Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk has a very tradeable contract – $14.5 million in salary this year, $15.5 million next year that isn’t guaranteed – and with Jacksonville going nowhere and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. emerging as Trevor Lawrence‘s top target, I think there’s a chance Kirk could be on the move,” Dan Graziano of ESPN said.
“He also makes a ton of sense for the Chiefs, considering the Doug Pederson-Andy Reid connection and the fact that he can work out of the slot (if the Chiefs add another receiver). Kirk would be able to do some of what the Chiefs were asking of Rashee Rice and JuJu Smith-Schuster.”
Limited playing time
Kirk, who has seen a reduced role in Jacksonville’s offense due to the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr., could be a valuable pickup. The Chiefs need a slot receiver to step in for Rice and Smith-Schuster, and Kirk fits the bill.
Although Kirk’s stats this season (25 receptions, 320 yards, 1 touchdown) aren’t standout, his performance last year was impressive-hauling in 84 passes for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns.
If Jacksonville is open to trading him, Kansas City might be inclined to make a move, reinforcing their offense and giving Mahomes another dependable target.
