Pittsburgh Steelers (Image via Getty) Christian Kirk is still under contract with the Houston Texans through the 2025 season after being traded and restructuring his deal. Because of that, he cannot simply sign elsewhere in 2026. If he were to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, it would have to happen through a trade.That makes the idea of Pittsburgh Steelers as a landing spot more of a roster discussion than an imminent move. Still, when looking at both teams’ depth charts and financial setups, the scenario is easy to map out from a football standpoint.
Contract details and what a trade would involve
Houston Texans acquired Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2025 and took on the final year of the four-year, $72 million contract he originally signed in 2022. The Texans then converted about $14 million of his $15.5 million base salary into a signing bonus, creating over $12 million in cap space. His total pay for 2025 is roughly $16.5 million, with incentives that could add another $3 million.Since Houston absorbed most of the bonus money, a team trading for Kirk in 2026 would likely be responsible for a cleaner one-year salary at veteran-starter range. In other words, Pittsburgh would not be taking on the full weight of the original contract.For the Steelers, the move would depend on having enough cap room after committing significant money to DK Metcalf and building receiver depth with Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Brandon Johnson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Ke’Shawn Williams.Houston’s receiver room is crowded with Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Braxton Berrios, and Kirk, while tight end Dalton Schultz also draws targets.
A realistic structure could look like this:
• Texans send: Christian Kirk and possibly a late-round pick • Steelers send: a mid-round pick and possibly depth at another positionFor Houston, the decision would be about redistributing snaps rather than getting out of a difficult contract.
Why Pittsburgh Steelers could target Christian Kirk
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ passing attack is built around Metcalf as the primary outside threat. Wilson offers flexibility, Austin brings speed, and Woods provides experience, but the group still lacks a proven intermediate receiver behind its top option. 
Christian Kirk (Image via Getty)
Kirk fits that description. During his 2022 season in Jacksonville, he recorded 84 catches for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns, showing he can handle a heavy workload in a spread offense. Houston added him to increase its passing-game options, which reflects how teams still view him, a strong No. 2 receiver who can line up in multiple spots.PlayerTeam(2025-26)Primary RoleNotable traits Christian Kirk Texans WR3 / slot starter Polished route runner, productive inside-out target Nico Collins Texans WR1 Size, downfield ball-winner, outside X receiver Xavier Hutchinson Texans WR2 Physical boundary receiver, developing route tree Jayden Higgins Texans WR2/3 competition Size and catch-radius prospect Jaylin Noel Texans WR depth/returner Speed, return value, gadget usage Braxton Berrios Texans WR depth Reliable short-area slot, return abilityIn Pittsburgh, Kirk would likely step into a high-usage slot or inside-out role, giving the offense a reliable option on intermediate routes and third downs.
Why Houston Texans might consider the move
Since C.J. Stroud became the starter in 2023, the Houston Texans have remained near the top of the AFC South while investing heavily in pass catchers. Trading Kirk would help address a numbers issue at the position.
Possible advantages include:
• More playing time for Higgins, Hutchinson, and Noel • Recovering draft capital after acquiring Kirk at a modest cost • Additional cap flexibility for future extensions and defensive spending around Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr.The risk is losing a dependable veteran who can steady the offense if injuries occur.
Pros and cons for both teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pros • Gains a receiver with proven high-volume production • Creates better balance behind Metcalf • Adds reliability in key situationsCons • Another notable salary commitment • Could reduce opportunities for younger receivers • Production may not match his 2022 peak
Houston Texans
Pros • Clears targets in a deep receiver group • Adds draft or roster assets • Improves long-term financial flexibilityCons • Loses a versatile veteran • Places more pressure on younger wideouts • Could disrupt timing if Stroud relies on him
Roster context behind the idea
TeamTop WRs on 2025-26 depth chartQR contextWR room profile Texans Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel, Braxton Berrios C.J. Stroud, ascending franchise QB Deep, young, multiple investments at WR Steelers DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Brandon Johnson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Ke’Shawn Williams QB room built to support a big-play outside star Top-heavy with Metcalf, mix of youth and vetsKirk is a veteran still in his prime, a profile that typically translates well between teams. That makes him valuable in Houston but also attractive to a team like Pittsburgh that may want an immediate contributor.
Who benefits more?
If the deal were completed at a reasonable cost, both teams could improve their roster structure. Pittsburgh would fill a clear need with an experienced receiver, while Houston could lean further into its younger group and free up resources.Also read: NFL trade rumors: Buffalo Bills rumored to target $52 million Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver in free agency to bolster title chancesIn the short term, the Steelers would likely see the bigger on-field impact because Kirk addresses a specific gap. Over time, the Texans could benefit if their younger receivers grow into larger roles while the team continues building around Stroud.