Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. is the 47th-ranked free agent on Pro Football Network’s Top 50 list. Here’s Chark’s outlook as he approaches free agency, as well as landing spots, his notable stats, and what he could see in a new contract.
DJ Chark Jr.: Free Agency Overview
Chark produced a 1,000-yard season two years ago, earning Pro Bowl distinction. He’s extremely explosive, tall, and able to create separation on deep routes. He’s an imposing downfield target at 6-foot-4, 198 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds and recorded a 40-inch vertical jump.
Recapping Chark’s 2021 season
Chark played in just four games last season due to a broken ankle and was on injured reserve. He caught only 7 passes for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns but averaged 22 yards per reception. His production dipped, but his career numbers are quite solid with 147 receptions for 2,042 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Two seasons ago, Chark had 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and 8 touchdowns on 118 targets. In 2020, he played in just 13 games, generating 706 yards and 5 TDs on 53 catches.
Chark’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Chark’s four-year, $4.447 million rookie contract that included a $1.314 million signing bonus has expired. Chark might not be that expensive this offseason. Spotrac projects him to earn a four-year, $47.6 million deal with an average of $11.9 million. Chark’s injury history has decreased his market a bit — he’s missed 22 games over the last four years.
Possible landing spots for Chark
The Philadelphia Eagles make a lot of sense for Chark. There’s a connection between him and former Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell, who’s now an executive for Philadelphia.
Last year, Caldwell helped influence trades for former Jags quarterback Gardner Minshew and cornerback Josiah Scott. The Eagles could use a complementary presence for DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins.
What they’re saying about Chark
“I just didn’t like his size. His strength, I just thought, was way below average, way below what we expect from our receivers, and he was told that. He’s a big guy that played little last year, and that can’t happen.” — Former Jaguars coach Urban Meyer, who urged Chark to bulk up and hit the weights.