Ben Johnson apparently has his eyes set on adding another veteran pass catcher to the offense ahead of training camp
In two days, the Chicago Bears will open up the first day of training camp and will continue preparations toward the first season under new head coach Ben Johnson.Since arriving to Chicago, Johnson has hand-picked multiple additions to the roster to help create his new offense and after seeing what he had to work with […]
In two days, the Chicago Bears will open up the first day of training camp and will continue preparations toward the first season under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Since arriving to Chicago, Johnson has hand-picked multiple additions to the roster to help create his new offense and after seeing what he had to work with during OTAs and minicamp, he might be looking into making another move.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bears recently hosted a visit with free agent wide receiver DJ Chark, someone Johnson has a little history with.
In 2022, Chark signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, playing 11 games under the new Bears' head coach. In that short stint, Chark totaled 30 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns. When doing a film study with The Athletic's Chris Burke and Nick Baumgardner in July of 2022, Johnson shared what he likes in Chark's game.
“He has a knack over the last few years of getting on top of the coverage, somehow, some way. And it’s that 4.3 speed, it’s not being afraid to be physical; having that subtle hand fighting during the route; creating separation. . . Good release versus press, gets the corner to jump off his spot, and now you’re able to hold that landmark and create a throw for the quarterback.” via The Athletic’s Chris Burke and Nick Baumgardner
Author Name
Title
Could Ben Johnson be searching for a downfield threat?
The interest in Chark at this point in the offseason days before camp is intriguing. Chark's best attribute as a player has been his ability to be a downfield threat, something that is still missing to an extent in the Bears' offense.
While DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Rome Odunze can been downfield options, neither are burners when it comes to top end speed. Two players that do bring that to the roster are Devin Duvernay and Tyler Scott. Although Duvernay is a player better suited as a return specialist and Scott has been an underachieving draft pick Johnson was forced to inherit.
Chark last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 where he played just seven games before suffering a hip injury that ended his season. On Sunday, Chark revealed the kind of team he's hoping to land with in 2025.
“It will have to be something that makes sense, from a family perspective and also from an X’s and O’s perspective. Getting up and going to any team just for the excitement — I’ll always love the game, but at this point, putting myself and my family in a great position is what’s ideal for me.” via NFL.com’s Christian Gonzales
Author Name
Title
Reuniting with Johnson in Chicago might be the best option for both sides if the team's head coach isn't confident in the players he worked with earlier in the offseason. Currently, the Bears' roster is set at 91 players, adding a player like Chark would require a roster spot to be freed up beforehand.
Along with Chark, the Bears also held a workout for five other players: TE Peyton Hendershot, WR Matt Landers, TE Thomas Gordon, LB Chase Campbell, and DB Gervarrius Owens.
The Chicago Bears’ offense is banking on these 4 key factors working out in its favor during training camp
Real football is finally back.
