Christian Kirk, San Francisco 49ers
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(Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers continue to bolster their offense for the 2026 NFL season. After signing veteran wideout Mike Evans, the Niners added another experienced wide receiver in Christian Kirk, who the 49ers are familiar with from his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
ESPN reported on March 16, citing a source, that Kirk and the Niners agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Moreover, the deal is for up to $6 million for the veteran who spent last season with the Houston Texans.
Kirk finished last season in Houston with 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown, missing four games and dealing with hamstring injuries for much of the year. However, he had eight catches for 144 yards in the Texans’ AFC wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting a postseason franchise record.
With Kirk now in the fold, former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman shared his thoughts on the team adding another target for Brock Purdy.
“The San Francisco 49ers also picked up Christian Kirk, a receiver formerly of the Houston Texans, who had a really, really good playoff run last year,” Sherman said in aMarch 17 video from the “Richard Sherman Podcast.” “Houston got decimated with injuries, and he made a really good impact and helped them stay in these games and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in that playoff game.
“It’s a solid move. [Kirk is] a veteran receiver, and I don’t think you can have enough vet receivers. He’s a guy who can take the top off the defense, and that’s what he’s done historically. He’s a little older than he used to be, but I think he complements this offense well.”
Christian Kirk Feels Like a Perfect Fit for the 49ers
Moreover, Sherman believes that Kirk will fit into the 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system. This signing also gives San Francisco a three-headed receiver attack of Kirk, Evans, and Ricky Pearsall.
“I think he’ll fit soundly with what Kyle Shanahan likes to do in this offense,“ Sherman added. “Obviously, there’s a lot of respect coming from Brock Purdy. I like the move. It’s an affordable piece, and I think they’ll get as much bang for their buck as possible with this, along with Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall being healthier and staying inhis role.
“These are all good moves for the San Francisco 49ers and the health of this team and the future of this team in a very difficult division that they’re going to have to compete in each and every week.”
Richard Sherman Talks Brandon Aiyuk Situation
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ wide receiver that isn’t mentioned but whose future is sealed is Brandon Aiyuk. Amid the discussion that the Niners are holding Aiyuk hostage, Sherman also weighed in on the situation.
“The Brandon Aiyuk situation is interesting,“Sherman said on the March 16 edition of “The Richard Sherman Podcast.”“I see a lot of people commenting on that, that the 49ers are holding him hostage, and it’s unfair and they’re doing wrong by him [and] I want to give my two cents on that; I don’t think so.
“I think the opposite, because what would Brandon Aiyuk fetch in free agency right now, coming off a major injury? No tape for this season.
“Whatever you feel about reputation with the San Francisco 49ers or the league, etc., etc. The contract right now is for almost $30 million a year. If they cut him, the contract’s torn up, thrown away, and somebody’s going to re-sign him to a one-year, prove-it kind of deal.”