Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Zachariah Branch

Monday, June 29, 5:25 AM

There was a time when veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk helped to reset the free agent market for wideouts, signing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. Kirk rewarded the Jaguars with 84 catches for 1,108 yards and eight scores in his first year with the team, but he has since struggled to stay healthy, missing 18 games over the past three seasons, and in signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, he now prepares to play for his third team in as many seasons. Heading into his ninth professional season, fantasy expectations are low, but on a 49ers squad with plenty of moving pieces in the passing game, Kirk could still surprise in Kyle Shanahan's ever-efficient offense. Six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans was the headliner of San Francisco's free agent class, but behind him, 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall has struggled with both health and consistency, and this year's second-round pick, De'Zhaun Stribling, could take time to develop in Shanahan's detail-oriented system. The availability of All-Pro tight end George Kittle also remains a question mark for the start of the season, and while unlikely to return to his peak form of four seasons ago, Kirk could still provide usable fantasy weeks if he's able to take advantage and carve out a role. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR96, Kirk is a low-cost dynasty depth piece who won't break the bank to acquire.