The Carolina Panthers continued to overhaul their offensive skill positions by adding another wide receiver on Friday. The team agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with DJ Chark, NFL Media reported.
Chark reacted to the news on Twitter by thanking his former team, the Detroit Lions, and declaring his excitement to play in Carolina.
Thank You Detroit pic.twitter.com/kSqjL5jQT8
— DJ Chark (@DJChark82) March 24, 2023
In 11 games last season, Chark had 502 receiving yards, three touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards per reception. Chark’s best season came in 2019 for the Jacksonville Jaguars when he hauled in 73 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, leading to his only Pro Bowl selection.
The 6-foot-4 receiver has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. Chark spent time on injured reserve last season because of an ankle sprain and suffered an ankle fracture in 2021, causing him to miss 12 games.
Chark’s addition comes as the Panthers are making significant changes to their offensive weapons. The team already signed running back Miles Sanders, receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Hayden Hurst this offseason.
In a news conference on Monday, Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer mentioned the importance of building a solid skill position group to help whichever quarterback they select at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Carolina has attended the pro days of Kentucky’s Will Levis (scouting report), Alabama’s Bryce Young (scouting report) and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud (scouting report) already.
In addition to helping their rookie quarterback, the Panthers need to replace the production of DJ Moore, who was shipped to the Chicago Bears in the deal for the No. 1 overall pick.
