4 Jaguars that most prove in 2021 they deserve another contract

1. DJ Chark, wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars

This one is a bit different because DJ Chark Jr. doesn’t have to prove himself. He deserves a contract but there are a few circumstances beyond his control that are working against him. A Pro Bowl nod in 2019, the LSU was the Jags best offensive player last year, running back James Robinson notwithstanding.

The wide receiver’s numbers went down in 2020 but so did everybody else’s because of the instability at quarterback Jacksonville dealt with. After hauling in 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019, he caught just 53 passes for 706 yards and five touchdowns.

Had the team had a more consistent signal-caller under center, we would be probably talking about Chark’s second Pro Bowl nomination. Instead, the conversation has mainly centered on how crowded the Jags’ young wide receivers are. Also, the acquisition of Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency is taking away some focus from the 2018 second-round selection.

In fact, this Jacksonville team has so many talented wide receivers that legend Jimmy Smith believes the organization shouldn’t rush to give Chark an extension. As good as he is, the new regime didn’t draft him, so they don’t have any kind of attachment to him and may opt to bring their own players.

Chark is a top 15 wide receiver and if he plays the way he did in 2019, he will leave the Jaguars no choice but to give him a new deal. If they don’t, a team in need of a difference-maker will.