Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Terry McLaurin

Wednesday, July 9, 3:34 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk was dealt from the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars for a late-round NFL Draft pick this offseason. The 28-year-old had a fantastic first season with Jacksonville in 2022, but injuries and offensive woes limited his production in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he tallied just 27 receptions for 379 yards and one score in eight games while Brian Thomas Jr. took over the WR1 role. Now in Houston, he is seemingly competing with rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for the WR2 job behind Nico Collins. ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime believes Kirk might be the favorite to win that job. "The best way to step into the No. 2 or No. 3 role is building chemistry with CJ.. Stroud," Bien-Aime wrote. "And Kirk looked like a potential safety blanket for the third-year signal-caller." While this is promising for Kirk's fantasy prospects, the veteran has eclipsed 800 yards in just two of his seven NFL campaigns, and Houston's acquisitions of Higgins and Noel could suggest they were not comfortable with Kirk in the clear WR2 role. That said, his cost in drafts outside the top 50 WRs makes him an interesting dart throw in all formats.

Sunday, July 6, 8:26 PM

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is still "not happy" with where things stand regarding a new contract. This situation has been ongoing for months, so this is nothing new. Still, with training camp right around the corner, the franchise is running a greater risk of a holdout situation if the wideout doesn't get a pay increase. He is coming off his best season since entering the National Football League, ending the 2024 campaign with 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns off 82 receptions. McLaurin is currently in line to make $15.5 million this season. However, it will presumably take well over $30 million a year to retain his services moving forward. If McLaurin isn't on the field, it won't be good news for Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year. McLaurin's potential absence from training camp could also cause his fantasy stock to fall.