The Washington Commanders have already made one big wide receiver move with a trade for Deebo Samuel Sr. that cost nothing more than a fifth-round pick. But with only three wideouts under contract in 2025, more is needed.
And their next move could be painfully obvious after an expected release elsewhere.
Kliff Kingsbury turned down head coaching advances to remain Washington's offensive coordinator. He feels something special is building and wants to help for one more season at least. This could lead the Commanders to someone the gifted play-caller knows well from a previous stop.
The Jacksonville Jaguars confirmed that Christian Kirk will be released as part of cost-cutting measures. Things fizzled out for the dynamic weapon thanks in no small part to injury, bringing his early momentum to an abrupt halt following his big-money move from the Arizona Cardinals.
That's where Kingsbury comes in.
Commanders could reunite Kliff Kingsbury with Christian Kirk in 2025
He developed a strong working relationship with Kirk in Arizona. The former second-round selection flourished under the head coach's guidance and earned a lucrative deal with the Jaguars in free agency. Providing everything checks out medically after his broken collarbone, this represents a low-risk option for the Commanders with immense upside attached.
The Jaguars will be eating more than $13 million if they cut Kirk with a pre-June 1 designation. There's still a lot of good football left at 28 years old, and Kingsbury's presence could be enough to get Washington into the driver's seat if they decide to reunite the wideout with his old coach.
This would be a nice complimentary piece to go alongside Terry McLaurin and Samuel. With Luke McCaffrey around, re-signing Noah Brown and perhaps adding another piece via the college ranks would make this a formidable set of weapons for quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels to call upon.
The Commanders also happen to be an attractive destination again after years in the football abyss. Dan Quinn's culture shift and Adam Peters' masterful roster construction turned this franchise from the league's laughingstock into a legitimate contender. If Washington throws its hat in the ring, it would be a difficult proposition for Kirk to turn down — albeit as the No. 3 option.
That might work in his favor.
With McLaurin and Samuel taking up the lion's share of attention from opposing coverage schemes, Kirk should get plenty of opportunities to put his elusiveness and sharp route-running to good use. If he's willing to accept a one-year, prove-it deal to join this ambitious project, it's something the Commanders should seriously consider.
Peters will no doubt seek Kingsbury's counsel before deciding on an approach. No team can ever have enough quality wide receivers. A trio of McLaurin, Samuel, and Kirk represents the biggest upgrade imaginable to what Daniels had at his disposal during a rookie campaign for the ages.
Again, it's not going to solve every problem. But if the money is right and Kirk is motivated, this has the scope to be another shrewd piece of business.
Kingsbury holds the key. If he gives Kirk a seal of approval, don't be surprised if the Commanders strike with conviction.
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