For the second consecutive offseason, the Houston Texans will be bringing in a new weapon for quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The Texans are finalizing a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reports. It was reported earlier in the week that Kirk would be released by the Jaguars as a cap casualty, but the Texans are instead sending a 2026 seventh-round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for his services.

Kirk is heading into the final season of the four-year, $72 million deal he signed with the Jaguars in 2022. He is set to receive a (fully non-guaranteed) $15.5 million base salary in 2025, and the Texans will take on all that contractual obligation.

He had a strong debut season with Jacksonville in 2022, securing 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he faced challenges in the following seasons, accumulating 84 catches for 1,166 yards and four touchdowns combined in 2023 and 2024.

This trade allows Kirk to step into an important role, particularly as the Texans’ passing game faces uncertainties surrounding other receivers, enhancing the potential for an explosive offense under Stroud’s leadership. The risk for Houston is minimal, as the seventh-round pick handed to Jacksonville is easily manageable.

This trade strategizes an offensive boost for the Texans while providing Kirk with another opportunity to flourish in the league.