When DJ Chark Jr. posted a 1,000-yard season in 2019, he looked like an ascending star. However, he dealt with injuries the next two seasons, and the Jacksonville Jaguars let him walk in 2022. Since then, the former Pro Bowl receiver has had trouble making an impact.
Just recently, Chark signed with the Atlanta Falcons, but they have already cut ties with him ahead of the preseason finale. They also released quarterback Emery Jones and signed Ben DiNucci. Now, the eight-year receiver will need to look for a new team.
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The Falcons just released former Jaguars WR DJ Chark Jr.
When the Falcons signed DJ Chark Jr., fellow wide receiver Darnell Mooney was nursing an injury, so it's fair to say that they brought him as insurance. That said, the former LSU Tiger had a chance to prove that he could still contribute. It took Atlanta two weeks to realize that he's no longer the player he was early in his NFL career.
A second-round pick in 2018, Chark got minimal playing time as a rookie but saw an uptick in playing time in his sophomore campaign. He finished the 2019 season with a team-best 73 receptions for 1,008 yards with eight touchdowns.
Expected to cement his place as the Jags' No. 1 receiver in 2020, Chark was instead hampered by injuries. Nevertheless, he still managed to haul in 53 receptions for 706 yards with five touchdowns. The Urban Meyer era came, and the Alexandria, Louisiana native was once again counted on to contribute. Unfortunately, a broken foot ended his 2021 season after just four games.
After two injury-marred seasons, the Jaguars let Chark leave in 2022. He signed with the Detroit Lions that year and joined the Carolina Panthers in 2023. While his numbers weren't bad, they weren't great either. Couple that with the fact that he was once again hurt, and nobody batted an eye when the Panthers moved on from him in 2024.
Chark went on to spend the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. But by then, injuries had seemingly taken away his athleticism. He played nine games with seven starts for the Bolts but managed to catch just four passes for 31 yards.
Not surprisingly, Chark considered retiring in the offseason, and had he not signed with the Falcons, he might have stepped away from football.
Now that Chark is a free agent again, it will be interesting to see if he wants to give football another go or if he's ready to hang up the cleats.
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