So sad to say goodbye: Panthers experienced wide receiver announces his departure due to
On May 3, D.J. Chark Jr., an experienced wide receiver, announced via his agency, Athletes First, that he would be joining the Los Angeles Chargers. Although the deal has yet to be finalized by the Chargers, sources indicate it’s a one-year contract worth potentially up to $5 million.
Last season, Chark played for the Carolina Panthers, tallying 35 receptions for 525 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. Prior to that, he had signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. Chark, a six-year veteran, originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2018 draft. His career-best performance came during his second season, where he achieved highs in receptions (73), yards (1,008), and touchdowns (8).
Throughout his career, Chark has amassed 212 catches for 3,069 yards and 23 touchdowns in 69 appearances. In his recent seasons, he’s had the opportunity to catch passes from quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Bryce Young.
Now, Chark will be catching passes from Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ quarterback who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 draft. He’ll be joining a receiving corps that includes Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, and Brenden Rice, among others. Johnston was selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 draft, while Palmer was a third-round pick in 2021.
In the recent 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers picked up Ladd McConkey from Georgia in the second round and added Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, as well as Cornelius Johnson from Michigan in the seventh round. Other receivers on the Chargers roster include Simi Fehoko, Derius Davis, Jaelen Gill, Jaylen Johnson, and Leon Johnson III, who were either drafted in recent years or signed as undrafted free agents.
