Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Luther Burden III

Thursday, May 29, 1:09 PM

Houston Texas wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) was seen participating in organized team activities on Wednesday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. Kirk only ended up playing in eight games (seven starts) in his third and final season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 due to a broken collarbone. The 28-year-old was traded to the Texans in March to help account for the loss of Stefon Diggs in free agency and Tank Dell (knee), who isn't expected to play at all in 2025. However, Houston also added rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins (second round) and Jaylin Noel (third round), and Nico Collins is the clear top target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Kirk should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 season, and he could dominate slot reps. Kirk has a path to a rebound season with the Texans, but it won't be a slam dunk with the two rookies potentially eating into his targets.

Tuesday, June 10, 9:57 PM

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed), who suffered an undisclosed injury back in rookie minicamp, is expected to be ready to go for the start of training camp in late July, according to head coach Ben Johnson. The 21-year-old second-rounder has yet to sign his rookie deal, too, which is also playing a part in his absence from offseason workouts as he heads into his first year in the NFL. Burden is losing valuable reps to learn Johnson's offense, but when he does rejoin the team, he has an opportunity to be the Bears' No. 3 wideout in 2025 behind DJ Moore and second-year pass-catcher Rome Odunze. When you factor in tight ends Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland (shoulder) and running back D'Andre Swift, it's a lot of mouths to feed in Chicago. Burden's physicality and production in college make him a fine dynasty/keeper stash, but he could struggle for consistency in 2025.