49ers Sign 5,000-Yard Receiver Christian Kirk

Former Jaguars star joins San Francisco's star-studded offense on one-year deal

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:34am by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers have signed former 1,000-yard wide receiver Christian Kirk to a one-year, $6 million contract. Kirk, who spent last season with the Houston Texans, is the latest addition to the 49ers' star-studded offense, joining newly signed Mike Evans.

Why it matters

The 49ers' passing attack was already one of the league's most explosive, and adding Kirk gives them another proven playmaker to complement star receiver Brandon Aiyuk. With Kirk, Evans, and others, the 49ers now have one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL.

The details

Kirk, 29, is coming off a standout 2022 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he caught 84 passes for 1,108 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, injuries derailed his 2023 and 2024 campaigns, leading the Jaguars to trade him to the Texans last year. In San Francisco, Kirk will look to regain his 1,000-yard form in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

  • The 49ers signed Kirk to a one-year, $6 million contract on March 17, 2026.
  • Kirk spent the 2023 season with the Houston Texans.

The players

Christian Kirk

A 29-year-old wide receiver who spent last season with the Houston Texans after a breakout 2022 campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who the 49ers signed to a three-year, $42.4 million contract in free agency.

Brandon Aiyuk

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the 49ers who is expected to be traded or released in the near future.

Ricky Pearsall

A 2024 first-round draft pick of the 49ers who will compete for targets in the team's receiving corps.

Jauan Jennings

A veteran wide receiver for the 49ers who will also vie for playing time in the team's deep receiving unit.

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What they’re saying

“The #49ers are signing WR Christian Kirk to a 1-year, $6M deal. Kirk is the latest WR addition in San Fran, after they also signed WR Mike Evans.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The 49ers will look to integrate Kirk into their offense and see if he can regain his 1,000-yard form from 2022 as they aim to make another deep playoff run.

The takeaway

The 49ers continue to load up on offensive talent, adding another proven receiver in Christian Kirk to an already star-studded unit. With Kirk, Evans, and others, San Francisco now has one of the most formidable receiving corps in the NFL as they look to take the next step and win a Super Bowl.