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49ers Boost Offense with New Receiver Christian Kirk

San Francisco, California, USA,Thursday, March 19, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers are tightening their passing attack for the upcoming NFL season. After adding veteran wideout Mike Evans, they signed former Arizona Cardinals star Christian Kirk—who recently played for the Houston Texans. Reports say Kirk agreed to a one‑year contract worth up to $6 million.

Last year in Houston, Kirk caught 28 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. He missed four games because of hamstring problems but shone in the playoffs, hauling eight catches for 144 yards in a wild‑card win over Pittsburgh. His postseason performance helped keep the Texans competitive.

Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman praised the move. In a podcast clip, he noted that Kirk’s playoff success shows he can handle pressure and deliver big plays. Sherman said the veteran receiver will be a solid addition to the team’s offense, especially alongside Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall.

Sherman also highlighted how Kirk fits into head coach Kyle Shanahan’s playbook. He believes the player will thrive in the system that values precise routes and timing. The 49ers now have a trio of experienced receivers, giving quarterback Brock Purdy more options on every play.

During the same episode, Sherman touched on Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation. He argued that Aiyuk’s current deal—nearly $30 million a year—could be costly if the team decides to release him. Sherman suggested that Aiyuk’s market value is limited by recent injuries and a lack of recent tape, making it risky to keep the player on such a high contract.

Overall, the 49ers’ additions aim to create depth and resilience in their offense as they face a tough division each week.

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