There was a time when Christian Kirk was anything but under the radar—in 2022, the ninth-year veteran topped 80 catches and 1,100 receiving yards and scored eight times.
Three injury-marred seasons later, though, he now finds himself on his third team in as many seasons and trying to resurrect his career after signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.
Kirk told the In Good Company with Mitch Morse podcast that he welcomed the opportunity to play in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
“There’s just so much space when guys get the ball in their hands, and the way (Shanahan) is able to scheme different guys open, you know, playing off of play-action pass, run game, screens, the whole nine, right? Like, it’s just all about integrating yourself in that, and he does a great job of using guys to their skill set. So, I’m really excited about it.”
The Niners also signed Mike Evans in free agency, but he’s coming off the worst season of his 12-year career. Youngster Ricky Pearsall has missed 14 games over his two years in the NFL. Veteran tight end George Kittle tore his Achilles in the postseason last year.
The passing attack for the 49ers contains a whole lot of “maybes” in 2026—Kirk included. But if the 29-year-old can stay healthy, Kirk should see 100-plus targets for the first time since that career season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.