As the Chiefs await a knee scope procedure to determine the extent of Rashee Rice’s injury, rumors of potential wide receiver trades continue to circulate around the NFL.
On October 5, Dianna Russini of The Athletic identified Christian Kirk as a veteran option who could fill the Rice role. With the Jaguars unexpectedly starting the season at 0-4, Russini noted that Kirk might be a good fit for Kansas City, especially if Jacksonville’s losing streak continues.
Though Kirk may not match Rice’s after-the-catch ability, he is a reliable possession receiver, having recorded 75-plus receptions in two seasons. From 2018 to 2023, Kirk has averaged just over 4.1 yards after the catch, while Rice has posted a dynamic YAC average of over 8.0 yards early in his career.
Despite this, Kirk has built an impressive NFL career, amassing over 5,000 receiving yards between his time with the Arizona Cardinals and the Jaguars (including playoffs). His best season came in 2022 when he logged more than 1,100 yards, 80-plus receptions, 8 touchdowns, and 55 first downs.
At 28, Kirk is under contract through 2025, which could help Kansas City if Rice faces suspension next season or needs a longer recovery from a serious injury. However, the Jaguars would likely need to cover part of Kirk’s cap hit, which exceeds $24 million for 2024 and 2025.
NFL GM Predicts Chiefs Will Target Jaguars WR Christian Kirk via Trade if He Becomes Available
Russini isn’t the only one linking Kirk to the Chiefs. On October 4, The Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora quoted an anonymous NFL general manager who believes Kansas City will pursue a wide receiver before the trade deadline and predicted that receiver could be Christian Kirk.
“They’re going to add a receiver before the deadline, for sure,” the GM said. “I think it’s going to be Christian Kirk. He just looks like an Andy Reid receiver. He really fits what they do.”
According to La Canfora, the Jaguars are telling teams that they haven’t given up on their season and plan to keep Kirk as a weapon for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who recently signed a $55-million-per-year contract. But if Jacksonville’s struggles continue, or if there are changes in leadership with head coach Doug Pederson or GM Trent Baalke, a Kirk trade could become more realistic.
NFL Insider Dianna Russini Clarifies Rashee Rice’s Potential Recovery Timelines Following Knee Scope
Russini also provided an update on Rice’s injury in her October 5 article, noting two potential recovery scenarios for the Chiefs’ star wide receiver.
“I’m told it could be six weeks or six-plus months for Rice; it all comes down to this upcoming arthroscopic surgery,” she reported.
Rice has already been placed on injured reserve and will be out for at least four weeks, but the knee scope scheduled for next week will determine whether further surgery is needed. Russini added that “once [the Chiefs] get more answers, they’ll decide if they need to replace their top target.”
Kansas City would likely only pursue a bigger name like Kirk if Rice is out for the season. If Rice’s injury proves to be more short-term, the Chiefs may rely on veterans like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, and a solid group of tight ends led by Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.
