'It Will Have to Be Something That Makes Sense': DJ Chark Is Weighing Offers. And He Gave a Surprisingly Honest Answer About What Comes Next

DJ Chark is considering his options in the NFL, per Kyle Odegard.

Currently working out, Chark is healthy after missing 10 games in 2024 due to a hip injury. Since being selected in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, he has failed to replicate the success of his sophomore campaign, when he had 1,008 receiving yards and scored eight touchdowns.

His production was good in 2020, but injury derailed his 2021 season. He has since signed three one-year, prove-it contracts with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Playing for the Chargers in 2024, Chark didn’t start a game and was only targeted 10 times in seven outings. He had four receptions for 31 receiving yards. There are likely to be suitors before the start of the regular season, but Chark isn’t rushing into a decision.

As reported by Odegard, Chark said, “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.”

A return to the Chargers could be the best option for Chark after Mike Williams’ surprise retirement. Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris are Los Angeles’ top three receivers as it stands. The trio have a combined three years of NFL experience.

­­­­­Fantasy Potential

It’s only two seasons ago that Chark had 525 yards and five touchdowns as WR2 for the Panthers. While it’s unlikely he returns to the heights of his Jags days, there could be a path for Chark to get 50-plus targets in 2025 if he returns to the Chargers.

Fifty-eight wide receivers are being drafted ahead of Johnston, per Fantasy Pros ADP. Tre Harris is WR56 by the same metric. Fantasy managers are confident McConkey will be first choice for Justin Herbert, but there’s not much faith in Johnston or Harris providing significant value.

If Chark re-signs with the Chargers, he could find himself in a contest with Harris and Johnston to be the second option behind McConkey. The sophomore wideout is going to attract plenty of attention, so whoever fills the WR2 role could become a good fantasy option.

The New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals have been rumored as possible landing spots for Chark. Arizona would give the former Pro Bowler the biggest fantasy upside, while the Titans would be an intriguing fit with Cam Ward under center.