Jaguars’ 4 easiest roster decisions for the offense this offseason

No. 3 roster decision the Jaguars must make – Re-sign WR DJ Chark.

In the first six weeks of the 2021 NFL season, the Jaguars’ offense averaged 19.3 per game. While that isn’t optimal, it wasn’t dreadful either. However, they then went on a skid in which they scored a measly 10 points per game. No wonder they ranked in the cellar of the league.

One of the many reasons the Jaguars’ offense experienced a drop in production was the absence of wide receiver DJ Chark Jr, who suffered an ankle fracture in Week 4 that cut his season short. Although the former LSU Tiger only hauled in seven receptions in the first four games, he got deep and drew coverage away from his teammates. Moreover, he averaged a jaw-dropping 22 yards per grab.

Even though Chark is coming off a serious injury, the Jaguars must re-sign him. Sure, he has only had one 1,000-yard season in four years but he was the only receiver on Jacksonville’s roster that could stretch the field last year. While the 2019 Pro Bowl nod could sign a one-year deal to rehabilitate his stock and earn a bigger deal in 2022, he could also be seeking a multi-year agreement. Spotrac expects him to ink a four-year deal worth $47.62 million this offseason. All things considered, that wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive and the team could easily afford to pay him.

Head coach Doug Pederson must sit down with Chark and convince him to return to Jacksonville. And while he’s at it, he needs to find a way to pouch a wide receiver that is currently on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster.