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Falcons Re-Sign LS Liam McCullough; Team Will Not Tender RFAs Dee Alford, Nathan Landman

March 6th, 2025 at 8:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

This year’s salary cap spike left the low-end RFA tender north of $3MM. Some teams are passing on paying role players that salary. The Falcons are among them.

Atlanta is not tendering RFAs Dee Alford and Nathan Landman, according to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman. The low-end tender will cost $3.26MM, and the Falcons are passing on keeping Alford and Landman at that rate. These decisions will send the cornerback and linebacker into unrestricted free agency.

Alford has been Atlanta’s primary slot cornerback for the past two seasons. He played a career-high 69% of the Falcons’ defensive snaps last season, which came after the team used him on 53% of its defensive plays in 2023. One of the team’s AJ Terrell complementary pieces, Alford saw his coverage numbers worsen.

A UDFA out of Tusculum, Alford allowed a 72% completion rate as the closest defender in 2024, working out to a passer rating of 117.9. The Falcons fired their defensive coordinator (Jimmy Lake) after one season, and replacement Jeff Ulbrich may be ready to make significant changes. Alford’s 724 snaps last season trailed only Terrell among Atlanta corners.

Landman stepped in as a replacement for starter Troy Andersen in 2023. He started 23 games over the past two seasons and delivered steady production, forcing six fumbles in that span. The former UDFA out of Colorado made 110 tackles in 2023; seven of those were behind the line of scrimmage. Landman did not record any TFLs last season, missing time due to a quad injury, but Pro Football Focus slotted him as the No. 39 off-ball linebacker. He stands to generate some interest as a UFA soon, though Auman adds a return at a lower rate could be in play. Landman also could potentially draw a higher salary on the open market.

While separations could loom on Atlanta’s defense, the team is keeping one of its specialists. Long snapper Liam McCullough re-signed with the team Thursday. It is a four-year deal, likely putting the ex-Ohio State UDFA at or near the top of the long snapper market.

McCullough was eligible for restricted free agency but was not a realistic candidate to be tendered, as not even the highest-paid deep snappers barely earns $1.5MM on average. This deal will keep McCullough in the fold; he has been the Falcons’ long snapper since 2022, playing in every Atlanta game during that stretch.

Rams Nearing Decision On Cooper Kupp

March 6th, 2025 at 7:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although this offseason may not see the volume of wide receiver contracts 2024 brought, a number of high-profile wideouts are either available in trades or in free agency. None of those options has put together a season like Cooper Kupp‘s top showing, but injuries have prevented the Rams standout from building on that triple-crown slate.

Three years after the Rams gave Kupp a new deal in the wake of his Super Bowl MVP award, he has let it be known the team is ready to move on. Days before the legal tampering period will begin receiver dispersal, Kupp remains a Ram. He is due a $7.5MM roster bonus late next week, and Les Snead has established that point as a loose deadline of sorts.

Snead said Kupp’s bonus date will serve as a deadline for a resolution, via the Orange County Register’s Adam Grosbard. The longtime Rams GM said Kupp could remain a Ram but made clear (via ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop) that is the “least likely option.” Day 5 of the 2025 league year (which starts March 12) serves as Kupp’s bonus date, and Snead confirmed (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) the Rams are still looking for a trade partner.

The Rams have let it be known they are willing to take on salary and help another team with the bonus, as they attempt to increase the injury-prone pass catcher’s trade value. The Rams were on the other end of such an effort in 2021, when they sent the Broncos second- and third-round picks for Von Miller. Kupp will not bring a similar return, but the Broncos’ willingness to pay most of Miller’s money increased the trade cost. If the Rams do not eat any money in a deal (which seems highly unlikely), they would take on $22.26MM in dead money. That number would likely increase if they pay down some Kupp salary.

This situation resembles where the 49ers were with Deebo Samuel, whom the Commanders acquired for only a fifth-round pick. Teams waiting the Rams out would put them to a decision. Cutting Kupp would seemingly be in play here. If Kupp is released, he would join a flock of 30-something standouts in free agency. Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Lockett are available. Adams and Lockett, as street free agents, can sign anywhere before free agency starts Monday. For now, Kupp must join the other Pro Bowl-level stalwarts in waiting.

The Rams have not discussed a pay cut with Kupp, Snead confirmed. That would be an interesting option, but absent that, the prospect of the eight-year vet being released would stand to increase. Kupp is going into an age-32 season, which does not separate him from that above-referenced FA contingent. Several teams will be able to fill needs for a No. 2 target, but will one give up an asset to ensure it lands Kupp when turning to free agency would yield a similar player without any draft cost?

At the Combine, Sean McVay did not slam the door on keeping Kupp but called it the “hardest decision” to decide to make him available. Two years still remain on the three-year, $80MM extension. McVay said (via The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue) the Rams will look to free agency, the trade market and the draft for a replacement to complement Puka Nacua.

Bengals Receiving Calls On Tee Higgins

March 6th, 2025 at 7:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

In a rather complex position as the 2024 league year winds down, the Bengals appear to have established their priority regarding their extension candidates. Tee Higgins, who had previously been expected to depart in 2025, has taken the spot behind Ja’Marr Chase. Trey Hendrickson is now talking to other teams about a trade.

But it would not be an NFL trade window if Higgins wasn’t generating trade calls. The re-tagged wide receiver is indeed drawing more trade interest, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reporting multiple teams have reached out to the Bengals. Evidently seeing if the Bengals would be open to resolving their Chase-Higgins-Hendrickson quagmire by trading the older of their two receiver standouts, teams continue to monitor the player who may well have outflanked Sam Darnold on our latest free agent top 50. Again, however, Higgins will not see the market.

As this refrain goes, Cincy is not budging. The Bengals are informing teams Higgins is unavailable, Russini adds. Even after the five-year veteran missed five games for a second straight season, the Bengals remain committed to working out a deal. Higgins no longer appears a high-end rental.

Higgins trade talk began at the 2023 Combine, when Duke Tobin‘s “go find your own” comment set the trend here. The Bengals then rebuffed trade interest at the 2023 trade deadline, franchise-tagged the former second-rounder in 2024 and again brushed aside Higgins trade interest at the 2024 deadline. A second tag has since come out, as the Bengals were one of only two teams to use a tag this year. As Courtland Sutton appears to have vacated his spot as an oft-rumored trade chip, Higgins stands front and center as teams attempt to determine the Bengals’ path.

It is understandable that teams would call, seeing as everything was pointing to a Higgins 2025 exit — either via free agency or a tag-and-trade transaction. As Joe Burrow has continually stumped for the organization to retain his WR2, it appears the Bengals have gotten the message. After Tobin said he wanted Higgins back at the “right number,” earlier this offseason, Burrow’s media tour continued. While Hendrickson may be the odd man out, the Bengals are moving toward following the Eagles and Dolphins’ lead in having two high-priced receivers and a franchise quarterback on the books.

Not big on restructures or void years, the Bengals do hold $51.7MM in cap space. Some of that will need to be allocated to receiver deals, though backloading them would allow the team room to make shorter-term augmentations in free agency. Chase and the Bengals are not believed to be close on terms, as the superstar’s fifth-year option season looms. Chase is tied to a $21.8MM option number, while Higgins’ second tag is worth $26.2MM. Extensions would reduce those 2025 figures.

Higgins has been tied to a $30MM-per-year asking price, as he likely would have commanded it on the open market. Going into his age-26 season, Higgins has been fine staying in Cincinnati. Will this be the offseason his payday finally comes?

Seahawks Would Want D.K. Metcalf Trade Done By Draft

March 6th, 2025 at 6:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

If the Seahawks are to move D.K. Metcalf, they may not be too interested in 2026 draft choices. John Schneider said Thursday he would want a trade done by the draft.

Stopping short of saying the team will honor Metcalf’s trade request, the 16th-year Seattle GM said during an appearance on Seattle Sports 710 (via The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar) they want a deal done by the draft. That still gives the team roughly seven weeks to complete a swap, and Schneider added (via the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta) he has spoken with “a ton” of teams on the six-year veteran.

The Chargers have been mentioned as a suitor, as they pursued him in trades last year, and the Raiders would make for a fit due to Pete Carroll‘s hire. It does not appear teams are, however, in agreement on the Seahawks’ valuation of Metcalf. Thus far, teams view the reported asking price (first- and third-rounders) as extreme, Bovada’s Josina Anderson notes. The Seahawks are taking offers right now, per Schneider, and Anderson adds at least one team has included a third-round pick.

Balking at moving first- and third-round picks is logical here, as Metcalf also wants to be paid north of the $30MM-per-year range. Five receivers joined Tyreek Hill in that club last year, and more will soon. While Deebo Samuel going for a fifth-rounder and Metcalf being tied to a trade ask nowhere near that ballpark would be strange on the surface, Samuel was more salary dump — even though he has a first-team All-Pro season Metcalf’s resume lacks — whereas the Seahawks want Metcalf back. Metcalf also does not bring the injury concerns Samuel does.

Last offseason featured the Bills collecting a 2025 second-rounder for Stefon Diggs, who did not need to be extended; the Texans actually removed three years of the All-Pro’s deal. Metcalf, though, is four years younger than Diggs. The Seahawks are unlikely to obtain first- and third-rounders in a swap, but teams are certainly free to set high bars in trade talks early.

Mike Macdonald was believed to have included Metcalf maximization a priority during his OC search, so it would be interesting to see the Seahawks pivot and make a trade. Even as the team saw Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerge with a breakthrough 2024 season, it just released Tyler Lockett. Schneider also said the Seahawks were displeased the Metcalf news leaked minutes after the Lockett release/tribute surfaced, though the veteran front office boss viewed the timing as a coincidence.

Metcalf is 3-for-6 in 1,000-yard seasons, having not been as consistent in terms of production compared to his availability, but he would be a candidate for a $30MM-plus AAV if traded. It remains to be seen if the Seahawks would entertain that, but they have two more seasons of Smith-Njigba rookie-deal eligibility at minimum — potentially three, if/once they pick up the Ohio State alum’s fifth-year option — and a mid-market QB salary on their books. Either way, the team will need to make a decision on Metcalf soon, as his contract expires after the 2025 season.

Noting the Seahawks do not have to move Metcalf, Schneider did use interesting language when asked about a scenario in which he stays. The team may either have an overhauled WR group for next season, as many veteran complementary pieces are available now, or will make a slight adjustment post-Lockett. The decision will be expected by April’s end.

“Worst-case scenario we have an amazing, explosive, powerful athlete playing receiver for us again in 2025, so we’ll see where this goes,” Schneider said (via Condotta).

Commanders To Re-Sign Bobby Wagner

March 6th, 2025 at 5:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

Bobby Wagner‘s reunion with Dan Quinn will last another year. After being on three teams from 2022-24, Wagner is staying in Washington.

The Commanders have a deal in place with the future Hall of Fame linebacker, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report. The contract includes $8MM guaranteed and can max out at $9.5MM. Wagner continued his run of durability and production, helping the Commanders to one of the most surprising conference championship journeys in NFL history.

This marks Wagner’s fourth contract in four years. After the Seahawks cut him in 2022, the Rams did the same a year later. Wagner returned to Seattle on a one-year deal in 2023 but left to rejoin Quinn — his defensive coordinator from 2013-14 in Seattle — in Washington. The Commanders benefited from Wagner’s production and leadership, as he played 17 games and continued an astonishing streak.

Last season marked Wagner’s 11th straight earning an All-Pro nod. The former Super Bowl starter collected a second-team accolade for his work in Washington, making him an 11-time All-Pro (six first teams, five second teams). Only Hall of Famers Joe Schmidt, Ray Lewis and Mike Singletary have earned more first-team All-Pro honors among off-ball ‘backers than Wagner’s six. On his way to join them in Canton, Wagner will play a 14th NFL season. He will turn 35 in June.

Wagner, who has missed one game over the past six seasons, made 132 tackles (10 for loss) and added two sacks and two fumble recoveries. Long admirers of Wagner’s work, Pro Football Focus ranked the veteran as last season’s third-best off-ball linebacker. PFF has ranked Wagner as a top-10 ILB 12 times. Author of one of the modern game’s steadiest careers, Wagner will earn a raise on his 2024 contract (one year, $6.5MM).

Formerly in place as the front-seven anchor during the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom teams, Wagner hung on much longer than those DB pillars. His first Seahawks stint lasted 10 seasons, and his second brought an NFL-leading 183 tackles in 2023. Wagner, who ran his sack count to 35 last season, still playing at a high level helped the Commanders as they went from rebuilding team to the NFC runner-up.

Quinn brought in Wagner and Frankie Luvu to lead his linebacking corps. Both signings worked out splendidly, as Luvu continued his hybrid work by delivering a 99-tackle, eight-sack season. Luvu, who is on a three-year deal, will have another chance to play alongside one of the best to ever do it. The Commanders, who ranked 18th defensively and gave up 55 points in the NFC championship game, intend to do more to bolster the unit. But Wagner staying represents an important piece.

Commanders, Falcons Interested In Trey Hendrickson; Bengals Made Extension Push

March 6th, 2025 at 5:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Bengals — perhaps at their quarterback’s urging — have changed their messaging on Tee Higgins, a tricky situation emerged due to Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson also being in contract years. With Joe Burrow on a top-market deal, it appeared something had to give. Right now, it looks like that piece will be Hendrickson.

A year after shooting down Hendrickson’s trade request, the Bengals have given their top pass rusher permission to find a new team. With Sam Hubbard retiring Wednesday and Joseph Ossai on the cusp of free agency, the Bengals could need a new plan at defensive end soon. As could be expected, Hendrickson suitors are out there.

The Commanders are among the several interested teams, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, who adds the Falcons are also monitoring this situation. With the edge rusher market soaring past $35MM per year, Hendrickson will have a chance to parlay his sack title into a windfall. This comes ahead of the former Saints draftee’s age-31 season, representing an important stage to secure a big payday.

Hendrickson’s camp will have a chance to work out an extension with another team, the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway notes. This would separate the Hendrickson matter from last year’s Haason Reddick situation, when the Jets sent a third-rounder to the Eagles for a player they did not intend to extend — at least, not immediately. The Hendrickson situation would appear to be smoother, as Conway adds the trade compensation part would come next.

The Bengals had negotiated with Hendrickson, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler, but the standout D-end did not view the team’s market as in step with his value. Maxx Crosby just signed the NFL’s richest non-quarterback contract, at $35.5MM per year. Hendrickson is tied to a one-year, $21MM deal — agreed to while he was on a four-year, $60MM pact. The market has moved considerably since the latter deal came to pass. Although rumblings of the team being willing to pay Chase, Higgins and Hendrickson emerged, that seemed like wishful thinking.

It probably is no coincidence the Hendrickson trade news is coming not long after. The market could move significantly this offseason, as T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and perhaps Aidan Hutchinson join Hendrickson in being on the extension radar. Hendrickson now joins Garrett as a trade candidate.

Chase is set to become at least the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, and a whopping $40MM-per-year number — after his triple-crown season — has been floated. Higgins was tied to a $30MM-plus number at multiple points this offseason, when it looked like free agency was a realistic possibility. As Burrow has turned up the heat on the organization, Higgins has received a second franchise tag. After an extended stretch where it looked like the Bengals would extend Chase and either find a Higgins trade partner — in a tag-and-trade scenario — or merely separate in free agency, the team looks much more serious about extending its high-end No. 2 wideout. That leaves Hendrickson a trade chip.

While the Bengals are not known for third contracts, they did hand those out to both Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins in the late 2010s. Hendrickson technically signed a third Cincy deal, a one-year add-on in 2023, but he is seeking a true extension. He had kept the door open to his next deal coming from another team, and the Bengals are now willing to listen on trade offers.

The Falcons have been in search of a quality edge rusher for many years. Their Matt Judon trade did not produce Patriots-like production from the veteran talent, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter reports the Falcons will not re-sign Judon before free agency. Judon, 32, will hit the market for a second time. Lorenzo Carter is also set for free agency, again bringing a major need for Atlanta at this premium position. GM Terry Fontenot was also in the Saints’ front office when they drafted Hendrickson.

Washington received surprising production from Dante Fowler‘s latest Dan Quinn reunion; the former No. 3 overall pick totaled a Commanders-high 10.5 sacks last season, outproducing $10MM-per-year teammate Dorance Armstrong (five). Fowler is heading back to free agency. While Frankie Luvu has helped out in a pass-rushing role in Carolina and Washington, the team has a need at defensive end. With Jayden Daniels‘ rookie contract opening the door for additions — and the team is preparing to make them on defense — Washington would be a prime destination for a disgruntled D-end.

Jaguars To Release TE Evan Engram, WR Devin Duvernay

March 6th, 2025 at 4:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

A Jacksonville skill-position purge will continue with two more veterans. Following the team’s intra-division Christian Kirk trade, Evan Engram and Devin Duvernay are also out.

The Jags are releasing the veteran tight end and All-Pro return man, ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero respectively report. One season remained on Engram’s extension, which was signed after the Jags franchise-tagged him in 2023.

Count Josh Reynolds among the skill-player cap casualties as well, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. The Jags had claimed Reynolds off waivers from the Broncos late last season. This release will save the Jags $4.26MM, as they had taken Reynolds’ two-year, $9MM contract from the Broncos.

If the Jaguars are moving on from Engram via a standard release, they would take on $13.5MM in dead money. If they wait to officially cut the former first-rounder on March 12 and give him a post-June 1 release designation, the team would be tagged with just $4MM in 2025 dead cap and would save $15.5MM in cap room. Engram, 30, was due to count $19.49MM on Jacksonville’s 2025 cap — the second-highest total on the team’s payroll.

The Duvernay release will save the Jags $2.7MM this year. Jacksonville added Duvernay last March, doing so as it signed Gabe Davis as well. Davis did not live up to his $13MM-per-year contract in his first season, but he is the only veteran skill player left standing after this week’s moves. While the team is prepared to build around Brian Thomas Jr., it will need to fill out some spots alongside the blossoming first-rounder.

Given the tag over Jawaan Taylor in 2023, Engram signed a three-year, $41.25MM extension. That deal called for a $14.75MM 2025 base salary. Three void years tacked onto the end of it will bring the dead money, which would stretch to 2026 if the Jags make Engram a post-June cut. This could certainly make Engram the top tight end on the market, one that includes the likes of Mike Gesicki, Juwan Johnson and Tyler Conklin.

A 2017 Giants first-round pick, Engram has a Pro Bowl (2020) on his resume but became more consistent with the Jags. He twice set the franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end, accumulating 766 in 2022 and then 963 in ’23. Engram was not a strong red zone option for Trevor Lawrence, but the now-well-paid QB peppered him with targets. Engram caught 114 passes in 2023; only Jimmy Smith‘s 1999 featured more receptions (116) by a Jaguar.

Even as Engram scored only nine touchdowns in three seasons and is heading into his age-31 season, he should be in line for a starting job elsewhere soon. The Jags have given him a few days to beat the market. This release does come after Engram closed last season on IR with a labrum tear; he totaled 365 receiving yards in nine games.

Duvernay, 27, arrived during an offseason that saw the departures of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones. The Jags had attempted to re-sign Ridley, being outbid by the Titans, before releasing Jones. In 2023, the team had deployed four veteran skill-player contracts around Lawrence’s rookie deal. They are now down to one (Davis’), and the ex-Bills WR2 totaled just 239 receiving yards last season.

Known more for his return-game skills than at receiver, Duvernay caught 11 passes for 79 yards in 2024. The two-time Ravens Pro Bowler served as the Jags’ kickoff and punt returner, leaving more jobs open amid this transition. Reynolds, 29, caught just one pass in four games as a Jaguar. He does have two 600-plus-yard seasons on his resume — including the 2023 season in Detroit — but has now been cut twice since December.

Kirk and Engram both had signed with the Jags in 2022, with each helping Lawrence after a woeful rookie season. Kirk is Houston-bound, while Engram — who has five seasons of at least 575 yards on his resume — should find a new home soon. The Jags have moved past $40MM in cap space with these moves and will be on the lookout for new Thomas supporting-casters soon.

49ers Interested In Joey Bosa

March 6th, 2025 at 4:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Chargers gave Joey Bosa a pay cut last year, but the sides did not work out another such arrangement. As a result, Bosa has become a high-profile free agent. As the Chargers already announced the cut, Bosa can sign before the legal tampering period begins.

One obvious suitor looms as an intriguing fit. A Bosa-Bosa defensive end tag team will be in play, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicates the 49ers will be an option for the older of the two Bosa standouts. While it will come down to price, ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner also notes San Francisco is interested in giving Nick Bosa the most familiar sidekick possible.

Injuries presented a constant concern for Joey Bosa with the Chargers; he has missed 23 games over the past three seasons. It is not like the former Chargers pass-rushing ace was injured every year, as he played 16 games 2017, 2019 and 2021, but he was often unavailable. That represents the main reason he is on the market as opposed to preparing for a 10th Bolts season. Now that Los Angeles made the 29-year-old EDGE available, Pro Football Talk Mike Florio points to a “frenzied” market emerging.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Joey Bosa was a top-three pick (No. 3 overall) three years before the 49ers took Nick Bosa second. He has not, however, earned a first- or second-team All-Pro slot like Nick has. Even if Joey Bosa is a high-second-tier pass rusher at this stage of his career, he adds a major piece to this year’s free agent market — one featuring some notable players (Josh Sweat and ex-Bosa teammate Khalil Mack) hunting for a third contract. Joey Bosa being four years younger than Mack will help his cause, even if the latter has been much healthier over the course of his career. Mack missed one game during his three Bolts seasons.

Joey Bosa has four double-digit sack seasons, but the last came in 2021. He would stand to, however, give Nick the best complementary edge player he has played with in the pros. The 49ers have both Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos under contract, but each came up as a release candidate recently. The team has tinkered with Nick Bosa’s supporting cast often during the star defender’s tenure, but no move has landed on the level a Joey Bosa addition would. We could have an answer on this reunion before free agency starts Monday.

Colts Release DT Raekwon Davis

March 6th, 2025 at 4:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

Instead of playing out the final year of his Colts contract, Raekwon Davis will immediately reach free agency. The veteran defensive tackle was released on Thursday, per a team announcement.

The move comes as little surprise. Davis was due $6.49MM in 2025, but none of his base salary for the season was guaranteed. Instead of carrying him at a cap it of $8.96MM, Indianapolis will move on. This release will generate $6.46MM in savings while creating a dead money charge of $2.5MM.

Davis played out his rookie contract with the Dolphins from 2020-22. Over that span, the former second-rounder logged 48 starts, but he was unable to cement himself as a mainstay along the defensive line. After showing limited upside against the pass during his Miami tenure, Davis took a deal with an average of $7MM during his first foray into free agency. That marked a notable raise compared to his initial contract, but it illustrated a degree of hesitance on the Colts’ part.

During his debut Indy campaign, the Alabama product played in all 17 games. Davis did not register any starts, however, and his 30% snap share marked the lowest of his career. With the team set to rely on other options along the interior, this release will allow for a brief period to gauge the market prior to the start of the new league. Interest could be limited in Davis’ case, although at the age of 27 he will be among the younger options to choose from in free agency.

As a result of this move, the Colts have more than $40MM in cap space. General manager Chris Ballard made it clear this offseason he and the team will opt for a philosophical shift in roster building, with a greater emphasis being placed on outside additions. That route did not go as planned in Davis’ case last spring, but the resources to try again in 2025 are available.

Jaguars, Texans Agree To Christian Kirk Trade

March 6th, 2025 at 3:24pm CST by Adam La Rose

Christian Kirk will not be released after all. The Jaguars are moving on from the veteran wideout, but they will do so via trade instead.

Kirk is heading to the Texans, as first reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Houston will send Jacksonville a 2026 seventh-round pick, she adds. Kirk will not hit the market as a result, and he will continue his career on a new AFC South team.

One year remains on the 28-year-old’s contract, a factor which helped inform the Jags’ decision to move on. This swap will generate $10.44MM in cap savings while incurring a dead money charge of $13.65MM. Kirk is owed a $15.5MM salary for 2025, but he could work out a new deal upon arrival in Houston.

The Texans entered 2024 with high expectations at the receiver position. Nico Collins, Tank Dell and trade acquisition Stefon Diggs figured to give the team one of the league’s top WR trios. Diggs suffered an ACL tear midway through the season and Dell later did the same, however. The latter’s availability for 2025 is in question.

Diggs is a pending free agent, so the chance of a departure on his part along with Dell’s injury status made the Texans a team to watch regarding a notable wideout addition. Prior to the Combine, it became clear Houston would be open to re-signing Diggs, but this move increasingly points toward him at least testing the market next week. In any case, Kirk will be tasked with operating as a strong complementary option to Collins in 2025.

After playing out his rookie contract with the Cardinals, Kirk inked a four-year pact to head to Jacksonville. The $18MM AAV of that deal raised many eyebrows at the time, but the receiver market has since seen two major spikes as the NFL’s salary cap continues to grow rapidly. If the former second-rounder aims to secure a raise with his new team, though, he could be hard-pressed in that effort.

Kirk logged a full season in 2022, but his Jaguars follow-up was limited to only 12 games. This past season, the Texas A&M product suffered a broken collarbone which sidelined him after eight contests. That injury left him off the midseason trade market, which was notable since the Steelers reportedly reached agreement on a swap prior to the injury. In the wake of the missed time, the Jags’ new regime will move in a different direction while looking to build a receiving corps around Trevor Lawrence.

That process will no doubt lean heavily on Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist Brian Thomas Jr., but WR will be a position to watch for Jacksonville this offseason. A number of high-profile wideouts are on track to reach the market, including some veterans (Davante Adams, Tyler Lockett) who have recently been cut. Kirk will not be on that list, as his 2025 situation has already been determined.

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