Houston Texans free agent profile: Christian Kirksey

Christian Kirksey was one of the many linebackers to suit up for the Houston Texans last year.

When Christian Kirksey came to the Houston Texans after spending the 2020 season with the Green Bay Packers, it was a bit of a surprise. Kirksey had signed a two-year contract but ultimately lost the every-down job to an undrafted rookie.

It was a bargain move for Houston to sign Kirksey at the time. As for Kirksey’s performance this year, it’s pretty close to what he did in 2020 with Green Bay. Kirksey recorded 93 total tackles and one interception, and zero sacks.

Kirksey also appeared in 13 games for Houston, which was two more than his solo Green Bay season. He also allowed the lowest completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks when he was targeted this year (70 percent).

Does Christian Kirksey make it another year with the Houston Texans?

Kirksey will most likely get another shot to compete for the strong-side linebacker job. There are a handful of Texans fans that really like what 2021 rookie LB Garett Wallow did whenever he got to play.

If Kirksey can continue improving his pass coverage skills and not miss any time due to injuries (he was put on IR last year), Kirksey should be able to win the job. However, his past experience in Green Bay must be remembered. Kirksey may just stick around due to his ability to fit into Lovie Smith’s Tampa-2 defense.

Training camp will tell us who will be starting at the “Sam” linebacker spot. Let’s see who wins- Kirksey or Wallow.