Heading into the offseason many fans expected that the Detroit Lions would go out and sign a big-name wide receiver to a multi-year contract. At that time, I suggested that was not going to happen because it was not Brad Holmes‘ style to break the bank on anyone in free agency, much less a wide receiver. As predicted, Holmes did not reach for the shiny objects, and instead, he signed WR DJ Chark to a one-year prove-it contract.
Chark, who previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, played in only four games during the 2021 season because of an injury and he has not played in a full season yet since coming to the league in 2018.
Detroit Lions WR DJ Chark named ‘bounce-back’ candidate
On Tuesday, ESPN released an article in which they choose one ‘bounce-back’ candidate for each NFL team and then it came to the Detroit Lions, DJ Chark got the nod.
DJ Chark, WR
PFF grade in 2021: 65.9
What went wrong: Chark played just three games for the Jaguars last season after he broke his left ankle in late September. The Lions picked him up in free agency. Chark, who made the Pro Bowl in 2019 when he caught 74 passes and had eight touchdowns, now has a fresh start with the Lions. — PFF
Outlook for 2022: Chark, now healthy and still only 25 years old, has turned heads in training camp with a string of impressive plays off his connection with quarterback Jared Goff. This season could make or break both of their careers. Detroit has Chark listed as the No. 1 receiver on its unofficial depth chart, largely due to his deep-threat ability. — Eric Woodyard
