It wasn't long ago that DJ Chark Jr. was considering hanging up the cleats. This is understandable when you take into account that he was a Pro Bowl receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but injuries hampered his career, and he struggled to make an impact in recent years. However, it looks like the former LSU Tiger changed his mind when the Atlanta Falcons came calling.
A few days into training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Atlanta locked up Chark. The team later confirmed the move.
The news comes in light of an injury to veteran wideout Darrell Mooney suffered in practice. Bringing in Chark may be out of precaution, but the Falcons could be in trouble if Mooney, who logged 992 receiving yards in 2024, has to miss time.
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What has been of DJ Chark Jr. since leaving the Jaguars?
A second-round pick in 2018, Chark was a non-factor as a rookie but showed notable improvement the following year, hauling in 73 receptions for 1,008 yards with eight touchdowns. Expected to solidify his place as the No. 1 option in the Jacksonville passing game in 2020, the Louisiana native was instead hindered by injuries. He finished the year with seven receptions for 154 yards with two touchdowns.
Chark was looking to bounce back in 2021, a contract year for him, but fractured his foot four games into the season. Ever since, he's had a somewhat nomadic career, spending time with the Detroit Lions, the Carolina Panthers, and the Los Angeles Chargers. Atlanta Falcons will be the fourth team in as many years for the once-promising receiver.
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What it means for former Jaguars WR DJ Chark to sign with the Falcons?
If DJ Chark chose to keep his NFL career going after contemplating retirement, it's because he believes he still can play. Now, several things could happen in the upcoming months. If Darnell Mooney's injury isn't as serious as it was thought to be, there's a chance the Atlanta Falcons will cut ties with him.
On the other hand, Chark can take advantage of the opportunity and show that he can still contribute. For that to happen, he'll need to first show that he can stay healthy, something he's failed to do dating back to his days with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's also possible that injuries have robbed him of his burst and big-play capability.
Last year, Chark averaged 7.8 yards per reception. Then again, that might've been a product of his role with the Los Angeles Chargers and not a reflection of his big-play capability. Either way, he'll have an opportunity to make an impression on the Falcons' brass.
Of course, it will be great to see Chark bounce back and enjoy a career revival. However, he has a steep hill ahead, and it will be up to him to show he still has a bit of football left in him.