Jaguars WR Christian Kirk on how contract opened the doors for others

New Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk spoke with the “Stacking the Box Podcast” about how his contract opened the doors for other wideouts.

This NFL offseason has been the wildest in recent memory. Big names have been on the move throughout the offseason. It started off with quarterbacks, and then shifted to wide receivers, who were dealt to new teams and got huge contract extensions.

Some felt that Christian Kirk’s massive deal with the set the tone for the offseason.

Kirk joined FanSided’s Stacking the Box Podcast with Mark Carman and Matt Verderame, and spoke about how his free agency contract with the Jaguars opened the doors for other wide receivers in the league.

Jaguars WR Christian Kirk on how contract opened the doors for others

“I just happened to be the first one,” said Kirk. “I think all of those deals were inevitable, they were going to happen regardless. If Davante [Adams] or Tyreek [Hill] or Stefon Diggs’ deal was first, the same thing would be said. But my deal was first.

“It’s a great feeling to be one of the first and to be able to advocate for our position to be able to get paid that I feel is necessary. The impact that the wide receiver position has on the game, I think, is worthy.”

Kirk was one of the first wide receivers to agree to and sign their free agent deals. After playing four years with the Arizona Cardinals, Kirk and the Jaguars agreed to terms on a four-year, $72 million contract. Afterwards, some big name wide receivers received lucrative deals.

Adams was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Las Vegas Raiders and received a five-year, $140 million contract extension. Hill was flipped from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins and signed a four-year, $120 million extension. Diggs signed a four-year, $96 million deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Christian Kirk on backlash he received after signing contract

When Kirk signed his contract with the Jaguars, it caused some to take to social media to express their criticism on the deal. Kirk spoke about whether he was surprised by the backlash he received after signing his contract with Jacksonville.

“I’m not surprised, I know it comes with it,” said Kirk. “I know there’s still expectations and some more people want to see, but I’m ready for that. Jacksonville brought me here, they’re the ones who offered me the opportunity to be able to come here and be a part of this. It was a no brainer for me.

“…I know a lot of people are saying that basically I’m advocating for guys to up and leave their team or go advocate for more money. But people are going to work and they’re going to find a place to where they see fit and see where they can continue their career, continue their success. And if those blockbuster contracts started to come with it, then they’re to come with it.”

Kirk is set to play a huge role on the Jaguars offense. After a tumultuous season under then-head coach Urban Meyer, former Super Bowl-winning head coach Doug Pederson has now arrived in Jacksonville to help Trevor Lawrence make the leap into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

The wideout had some successful years with the Cardinals, catching 236 passes for 2,902 yards and 17 touchdowns. He will now be one of Lawrence’s go-to options in the passing game in 2022.

Christian Kirk joined the “Stacking the Box Podcast” on behalf of Rockin’ Protein. Made of 30g of protein and real Shamrock Farms milk, Rockin’ Protein is a healthy source of high-quality protein for people of all fitness levels. Find it in your local grocery and convenient stores nationwide.