ESPN lists Christian Kirk as the most underrated player on Jags’ roster
There was a lot made of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to sign Christian Kirk to a four-year deal worth $72 million as it changed the receivers market. However, the Jags had the money to burn, and the deal is one they can get out of in two years if it doesn’t work out.
As for Kirk’s skill set, he brings traits to the offense that could help him prove that he’s well worth the money the Jags invested in him. The most notable skill he brings is his ability to help the team with explosive plays out of the slot, which was something he did well for Kyler Murray and Co. in Arizona.
For that reason, ESPN listed him as the Jags’ most underrated player heading into this season after collaborating with various writers from Football Outsiders. J.P. Acosta, who was tasked with providing some insight on the Jags and Kirk, pointed to Kirk’s encouraging DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) figures from the slot (or tight to the scrimmage line) and figures as a perimeter receiver.
Here is the full blurb of Acosta’s thoughts on what Kirk brings to the offense:
Jaguars signing Kirk to a four-year, $72 million deal in the offseason was surprising, but Kirk has quietly been one of the best slot receivers in the league.
In 2021, Kirk finished with a 23.9% DVOA from the slot or tight to the line of scrimmage on 81 passing targets, a number similar to Deebo Samuel on almost the same amount of targets. In the limited time he was on the outside, Kirk was even more successful, posting a 27.7% DVOA. He was in the shadow of DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green on the outside, but Kirk’s ability to become a reliable target for Kyler Murray downfield helped elevate the Cardinals offense. He’ll look to do the same with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.
There isn’t much to dispute about those statements for those who watch Kirk with the Cardinals. He was frequently used to attack defenses deep while teams keyed in on Hopkins, who was coming off a massive 2020 season where he garnered 1,407 receiving yards.
The Jags lost their best downfield threat, DJ Chark Jr., this offseason as he signed with the Detroit Lions. However, when looking at the money the Jags threw at Kirk, they likely feel he can be a better explosive playmaker than Chark, in addition to helping on the intermediate and short levels. Only time will tell if that’s the case as Kirk not only has a staff that believes in him, but a quarterback who believes he’s a “quarterback friendly” target.
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