New Jaguars WR Christian Kirk ready to prove doubters wrong with new contract

Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk reset the market for future wideouts to hit free agency after his reported agreement to suit up with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is expected to sign with Jacksonville for four years, $72 million with $37 million of it guaranteed.

Kirk’s average annual value makes him the eighth highest among wide receivers, tying him with Kansas City receiver Tyreek Hill. After his massive new deal, many thought Jacksonville overpaid. He tweeted Monday that he’s always been doubted and that this is nothing new. It signals that he’s ready to prove his doubters wrong in 2022.

It’s possible the rest of the NFL doesn’t know what Kirk is capable of because he has spent the last two seasons as the Cardinals’ No. 2 wide receiver next to star DeAndre Hopkins. The former Texas A&M standout did just complete his best season in 2021 when he caught 77 passes for 982 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 12.8 yards per reception.

However, it would be malpractice to ignore his projected value compared to what the Jaguars paid. Spotrac predicted Kirk would make $11.8 million per year over four years, and now he makes $9.2 million more than that projection.

Kirk will have the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong as he will immediately slide in as Jacksonville’s starting slot receiver ahead of Laviska Shenault Jr., who is rumored to be a potential trade candidate per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. That’s a sign that the Jags believe he can be a big-time weapon for second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who struggled mightily at times as a rookie.

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