Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Mecole Hardman

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, March 18, 9:06 PM

Free-agent wide receiver/return specialist Mecole Hardman (knee) is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Hardman will take his speed to the Packers while contributing both on offense and special teams as a kick returner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder (56th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 out of the University of Georgia caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball five times for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 regular-season games before suffering a knee injury in December that landed him on Injured Reserve. The Packers could use the receiver depth with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss around half of the 2025 season, but Hardman could struggle for consistent involvement in Green Bay's offense, much like he did in KC, behind Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs.