DeMeco Ryans is ready to see a healthy Christian Kirk in action for the Houston Texans this fall.
Acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, Kirk is slated to become a solid No. 2 option for C.J. Stroud in the Texans' passing game as the team looks to win its third straight AFC South title. He'll be rusty after missing the final two months of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but the Texans believe there's more left in the tank.
"I love Christian," Ryans said at the annual owner's meetings in Florida Monday morning. "It's the one thing that jumps out about him. He's a fast player. He's made a lot of nice plays in the slot, running the deep routes in the slot or the outside plays winning on third down. I'm excited to see what he brings."
The Texans could add another receiver during next month's draft, but Kirk isn't expected to be a depth option in 2025. Known for his route-running and consistency on third down, Houston expected to get him involved early across the middle of the field while taking pressure off the outside for Pro Bowl target Nico Collins.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on role for Christian Kirk at receiver 'Friendly target for C.J.' Stroud @KPRC2pic.twitter.com/YwvONGrV6p
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 31, 2025
Health will remain a significant factor in expanding Kirk's role with the Texans. After singing a four-year, $72 million extension in 2022, the former Texas A&M star lived up to the billing as Trevor Lawrence's go-to guy, setting career-highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108) and touchdown receptions (eight) during the 2022 ...
