Falcons sign former 1,000 yard WR to add needed depth at the position as their training camp begins to ramp up
The Atlanta Falcons are signing free agent wide receiver D.J. Chark, per a report from Mike Garafolo. This move comes off the heels of Falcons WR Darnell Mooney sustaining a potential injury during Thursday's training camp practice. Mooney's status is unknown at this time, and it's certainly possible that signing Chark has nothing to do […]
The Atlanta Falcons are signing free agent wide receiver D.J. Chark, per a report from Mike Garafolo.
This move comes off the heels of Falcons WR Darnell Mooney sustaining a potential injury during Thursday's training camp practice. Mooney's status is unknown at this time, and it's certainly possible that signing Chark has nothing to do with it, but the timing is interesting.
Falcons bolster their WR depth by signing D.J. Chark
Chark is entering his eighth year in the NFL after being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had a breakout season in 2019, catching 73 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection.
Unfortunately, injuries started piling up for Chark. He fractured his ankle in Week 4 of the 2021 season, which cost him 13 games. Chark sustained another ankle injury in 2022 as a member of the Detroit Lions, causing him to miss six games. Despite that, he finished that season with a solid 502 yards and three TDs.
Chark had another decent year with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, racking up 525 yards and five TDs. He then spent the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, but missed 10 games with a hip injury. He couldn't get in the groove with the Chargers, as he caught just four passes for 31 yards and one TD in seven games.
Chark has a nice blend of size and speed, and has proven that he can make an impact when healthy. Whether or not he can stay injury-free is anyone's guess, but he is a low risk, potential high reward signing. Chark could become a threat in redzone situations and in the deep passing game for Atlanta's offense. He will need to get up to speed quickly to incorporate himself within the Falcons' WR corps.
