Aside from Trevor Lawrence, there may not be a player on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster who the football community is ready to judge more than receiver Christian Kirk. The reason for that is because of the four-year deal he signed worth up to $84 million.
On numerous occasions, Kirk has said he’s not worried about those who’ve criticized his deal and doubted his ability, though. However, on Thursday he also let the media know that the receivers group isn’t sweating those who believe the Jags don’t have a deep threat on the team.
“No, it’s not something that we discuss,” Kirk said when asked if the receivers discuss their critics. “I just laugh because we have so many guys that have put deep threat ability on tape and have done it. I’ve had success with it, Zay’s had success with it, Marvin’s had success with it, so it’s not something we pay attention to. As receivers, we’re all guys that like to catch the go ball, like to catch the deep post, so it’s definitely going to be a point of emphasis for us because we know we have the guys to do it.”
Between Kirk, Zay Jones, and Marvin Jones Jr., there are 22 years of NFL experience, so he’s probably right about all three seeing a lot of different roles throughout their careers. However, some people have been skeptical since the Jags let DJ Chark Jr. hit the open market in the spring and we won’t know the answer on whether the Jags have found a similar threat until the season starts.
Kirk certainly could be that guy for the team, as that’s something he flourished with last season while working from the slot and perimeter. Based on how Zay Jones has been used at times at camp, he also could help the Jags with explosiveness, but it’s just a matter of seeing how the Jags’ receivers respond when the pads go on.
During his time at the podium, Kirk also talked about not feeling any pressure after signing his deal which guarantees $37 million.
“Not at all. I can truly say I’m playing the most free- minded, pressure-free, relaxed football that I’ve felt in a while,” said Kirk. “I truly feel that having this new opportunity in a new organization, new team, new teammates, I can truly just be myself and focus on being the best that I can be for these guys and be a leader, and just going out there and put it all on the line for them because I truly believe that we have such a great group. It’s been a lot of fun every day taking the field. Every second here has been great, so no pressure at all.”
That’s exactly the type of poise this young Jaguars team needs in 2022. And if Kirk can continue to focus on the stuff on the field and not the noise off it, he could put himself in position to be a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time in his career.
