Jaguars Releasing Former Cardinals WR

A familiar face for the Arizona Cardinals will hit free agency.

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) signals a first down during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to release former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jaguars plan to release veteran WR Christian Kirk, per source. pic.twitter.com/h5zYXuUElD

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025

Kirk suffered a broken collarbone last season while first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. soared for Jacksonville, leading many to believe Kirk would be a cap casualty thanks to his massive $24 million cap hit in 2025.

The move saves the Jaguars $10.4 million against the salary cap.

Kirk and the Jaguars were widely criticized for his four-year, $72 million contract awarded to him in the 2022 offseason after a four-year stint with the Cardinals, especially without him having a 1,000-yard season to that point.

Despite Jacksonville's overall lack of success, Kirk has played well for the Jaguars - though as the organization continues to pivot and rebuild, his large salary made him an easy candidate to be released.

Kirk now joins a massively talented free agent wide receiver pool which also recently welcomed Davante Adams yesterday.

Kirk was widely regarded during his time with the Cardinals, as the hometown product was made a second-round pick by Arizona in the 2018 NFL Draft.

His best season in the desert was his last, recording 982 yards on 77 receptions and five touchdowns.

Would a reunion with Arizona make sense?

The Cardinals are in the market for a third wide receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, though Arizona could opt for more of a speedy/deep threat target, as the Cardinals struggled to create big plays downfield in 2024.

Starting slot receiver Greg Dortch is set to become a restricted free agent - so we'll see if Arizona even eyes an outside option.