It is a little surprising that wide receiver DJ Chark remains unsigned. The market for wide receivers was relatively thin this year and he had arguably the most upside of anyone available. Whoever ends up landing him could be getting quite the steal.
DJ Chark signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last season, looking to bounce back after his 2021 was cut short because of an ankle injury. Unfortunately for him, he injured the ankle again, which essentially cost him eight games of the season.
He was sidelined for six games but missed part of a seventh and an eighth on a short week that DJ Chark had no impact. However, in the final few weeks of the season, there weren’t many wide receivers that were as good as him.
From December 1st on, DJ Chark was a true difference-maker. He caught 21 passes for 388 yards in the final six games of the season as the go-to deep threat in the Lions’ offense. That is a role that the team is likely hoping Jameson Williams steps into in 2023, which is why he wasn’t re-signed.
Where could DJ Chark end up playing in 2023? Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes the best fit for him would be with the Los Angeles Chargers. The team desperately needs a dose of speed offensively and DJ Chark can provide that in spades, evident from the 16.7 yards per reception he averaged last season.
Having Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer at wide receiver, DJ Chark could be seen as an unnecessary luxury. But, given how frequently that trio is sidelined, as they have been on the field for only 15 percent of Justin Herbert’s pass attempts the last two seasons, capable depth is a necessity.
Still only 26 and another year removed from his ankle injury, Los Angeles would be a wonderful landing spot for DJ Chark. He would be playing in a high-tempo explosive offense with an excellent quarterback, providing him a chance to rehab his value and land a multi-year deal as a free agent in 2024.
