NFL veteran wide receiver DJ Chark has signed a new contract with the Carolina Panthers. Chark, a one-time Pro Bowl selection, spent the 2022 season with the Detroit Lions but has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The #Panthers aren’t done adding on offense, agreeing to terms with WR DJ Chark on a 1-year deal, sources say. A complete remake of the Carolina offense is underway, and Chark will be a big part. As will their new rookie QB. pic.twitter.com/MUJkUI2PyF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2023
DJ Chark, Carolina Panthers, Agree to Contract
Chark enjoyed moderate success during his first season with the Detroit Lions. After signing a modest one-year deal, Chark ended up a decent sized role on the surprise NFC playoff hopeful. Appearing in 11 games, the speedy deep threat finished his season with 30 receptions for 501 yards and three touchdowns on 52 targets.
Chark originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the LSU product didn’t do all that much as a rookie. Appearing in 11 games without making a single start, the wideout finished his inaugural NFL campaign with just 14 receptions for 174 yards and no touchdowns on 32 targets.
However, despite the slow rookie season, Chark broke out in a big way in 2019, proving that he had what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Appearing in 15 games, Chark recorded 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns on 118 targets, most of which came from the right arm of Gardner Minshew. Following the season, Chark earned a spot on the 2019 Pro Bowl roster.
Chark was not able to replicate that success in 2020, but he still remained a solid player. Appearing in 13 games while making 12 starts, the LSU product ended his season with 53 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns on 93 targets. Despite his play, the Jaguars still earned the first-overall pick in the draft and eventually used the selection on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Unfortunately, Chark and Lawrence wouldn’t share the field for long. Even though Lawrence won the starting job, injuries limited Chark to just four games in 2021. During his short time on the field, the wideout recorded seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets. Following the season, DJ Chark hit free agency and signed a one-year contract with the Lions.
Main Photo: David Reginek – USA Today Sports
