Texans Nab Christian Kirk Before His Release

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

It's a nice landing spot for Kirk, who stands as the current favorite to reach September as the No. 2 WR.

Houston's unlikely to get much from WR Tank Dell off his nasty December knee injury. But the team has reportedly expressed interest in bringing back Stefon Diggs, despite his ACL tear.

Kirk's arrival doesn't necessarily change that. Diggs did run 52.8% of his pass snaps from the slot last year, according to Pro Football Focus. But he played primarily on the outside in Buffalo before that.

Kirk, meanwhile, played more than 70% of his pass snaps in the slot each of the past four years -- starting with his final Arizona season. He also saw a career-high 13.7-yard average depth of target last year -- 5.4 yards deeper than Diggs' mark for Houston.

So there could be room for both players. We'll see what the Texans do.

If Houston doesn't re-sign Diggs, then Kirk should be in for a nice target share and upside at least into low-WR2 territory.

Dynasty Impact

Landing in Houston could be good for Kirk's longer-term value as well. The WR just turned 28 in mid-November and could certainly do worse than tying himself to third-year QB C.J. Stroud.

Of course, Kirk's in the final year of his contract. So we have no idea right now where he'll be come 2026.

That uncertainty dings his long-term outlook. But it could also make him cheaper on the fantasy trade market.

I wouldn't call Kirk a target there. But he's capable of outperforming low expectations. Consider him a potential addition to a larger trade.

Other Winners & Losers

Kirk's arrival isn't great for lower-level Houston WRs John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson. Metchie could still find room to grab a bigger role if Diggs leaves, though.

For Stroud, adding a solid wideout can only help. Kirk doesn't meaningfully boost the outlook, though, for a QB who needs to rebound from his own poor 2024 performance.