Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Christian Kirk

Wednesday, February 19, 9:48 PM

ESPN's Courtney Cronin writes that it's more likely that the Chicago Bears let both wide receiver Keenan Allen and offensive guard Teven Jenkins walk in free agency this offseason. Allen and Jenkins are Chicago's top two free agents this year, but neither are candidates to be slapped with the franchise tag. Allen will turn 33 this year and has clearly declined, while Jenkins missed 23 games over four seasons due to injuries. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler, predictably disappointed in his first and potentially only year in the Windy City with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggling in 2024. In 15 starts, he caught 70 of 121 targets for 744 receiving yards (his fewest in a season since 2016). However, he was money in the red zone with seven touchdowns for the second straight season. Allen developed chemistry with Williams, but he could have more bounce-back appeal in fantasy if he goes elsewhere in free agency.

Friday, February 21, 11:12 AM

ESPN's Dan Graziano puts the odds at 75 percent that the Jacksonville Jaguars cut wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) this offseason. Kirk has one year left on his current deal and is scheduled to make $16.5 million in 2025. However, he's coming off a season-ending broken collarbone and has seen his production decline the last two years due to injuries, and the Jaguars have a new head coach and offensive system and will have a new general manager soon. They also signed Gabe Davis last offseason, and Brian Thomas Jr. took over in 2024 as a legitimate No. 1 wideout. Cutting Kirk would save $10.4 million in 2025 salary cap space. Other potential cap cuts to free up money are receiver Josh Reynolds ($4 million) and tight end Evan Engram ($6 million). It's highly unlikely Jacksonville cuts both Kirk and Engram this offseason.