CJ Stroud
Getty
CJ Stroud provides a ringing endorsement for new Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley
The San Francisco 49ers made a significant signing on Monday by inking former 1,000-yard wide receiver Christian Kirk to a one-year deal. Kirk, who will turn 30 years of age this season, now heads to the Bay Area where he will catch passes from Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy.
This move signifies the end of Kirk’s time catching passes from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud after just one season. Speaking of Stroud, after the move was announced, 49ers insider David Lombardi made a point of stating how Purdy was the better quarterback over Stroud.
The San Francisco 49ers Have the Better Quarterback
Brock Purdy
Getty49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will look to guide the 49ers to a Super Bowl title this upcoming season.
Lombardi did not mince words while highlighting who Kirk would be catching passes from in 2026. Here is what he wrote on social media on Monday:
“Christian Kirk gets a massive QB upgrade…From C.J. Stroud to Brock Purdy. That is significant.”
David Lombardi
Christian Kirk gets a massive QB upgrade….
From C.J. Stroud to Brock Purdy. That is significant
While both Purdy and Stroud have each made a Pro Bowl appearance, Purdy does appear to be the better of the two if you take a look at his total body of work. The former Iowa State star outpaces Stroud in career completion percentage (67.9%), touchdown passes (84), passing yards (11,685), passer rating (104.0), playoff wins (5), and many more stats. He has also guided his team to a Super Bowl appearance.
While Purdy has played one more season than Stroud, he has accomplished all of this as a former seventh-round pick. In fact, he was the 2022 NFL Draft’s “Mr. Irrelevant.” Stroud was drafted in the first round out of Ohio State by Houston in 2023.
Christian Kirk Could Make a Larger Impact in San Francisco
Christian Kirk, Houston Texans
GettyChristian Kirk’s one-year deal with the 49ers is worth $6 million.
In Houston last season, Kirk had perhaps the worst season of his NFL career. He started three games, caught 28 passes for 239 yards, and posted a catch percentage of 53.8%. Those were all career-lows. Now, he has a fresh start on what could very well be a better team. The 49ers are coming off a 12-win season despite battling the losses of several key players.
With 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan calling the plays, this offense in Santa Clara has a chance to do some special things. The veteran additions of Kirk and future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans give Purdy some more trustworthy hands. After the loss of Kendrick Bourne, along with the potential losses of Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings in free agency, signing a wide receiver or two was almost a necessity.
Now, the Niners have an offense that is stacked with veteran talent everywhere you look. But as it always is with this team each year, health is going to be a key factor in determining how far Shanahan, Purdy, and Co. can go in 2026. Injuries to All-Pro players such as George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner prevented this team from putting up any sort of fight against the Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round in January.