Well, maybe the Los Angeles Chargers have something after all. With the loss of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, their receiver room looked bleak. That changed in the draft, with the front office deciding to add guys like Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice, and Cornelius Johnson to the team. They made another decision Thursday, signing veteran DJ Chark to a one-year deal.
Chark Brings His Speed To Charge Things Up In LA
Known as a speedy wideout, Chark has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers in his career. His best season came in 2019 when he racked up 73 catches for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl.
Since then, his career hasn’t been the same. His last year as a Jaguar was in 2021, when he only played four games and recorded just two touchdowns on seven catches for 154 yards. A fractured ankle in week four kept him out the rest of the season.
Signing with the Detroit Lions in 2022, he recorded 30 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns in his only year there. He would have a new team in 2023, signing with the Panthers on a one-year deal. Though he increased his touchdown total from the previous season by two, Chark recorded just 525 yards receiving.
I don’t expect him to be much in Los Angeles. With the depth on the team plus their recent draft acquisitions, it’s hard to determine how much playing time he will get. He looks to be a WR4/WR5 at this moment in time. But, his speed is a weapon nonetheless.
Chargers WR Room Looks Way Better
The current depth chart for the Chargers’ receivers looks like this:
- WR1: Joshua Palmer
- WR2: Quentin Johnson
- WR3: Ladd McConkey
- WR4: DJ Chark Jr.
- Backups: Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko, Brendan Rice, Cornelius Johnson
Though they’re not an intimidating group of guys, it’s a promising one. Quentin Johnson looks to bounce back and show why he was a first-round pick after a rough rookie season. McConkey was outstanding at Georgia, showing off his route running and speed. Palmer is better suited as a WR2 but had a few great games when called upon to step up in 2023.
I am excited to see if Brendan Rice can make some noise in training camp. The son of Jerry Rice, he fell all the way to the seventh round despite showing he could be a solid wideout in the league. With 791 yards and 12 touchdowns for USC last year, he deserves a chance.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Grant Halverson/Getty Images
