FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons bolstered their receiving corps Friday, signing veteran free agent wide receiver DJ Chark to a one-year deal. The move adds depth and experience to a passing attack led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the team kicks off training camp.
Chark, 28, brings a proven track record to Atlanta. A second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019 after posting 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. His 6-foot-3 frame and 4.34-second 40-yard dash speed make him a vertical threat, capable of stretching defenses and creating big plays.
The former LSU standout has played for four teams in as many years, most recently appearing in seven games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. A hip injury limited his production last season, where he recorded four catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. Despite the setback, Chark’s career totals of 216 receptions, 3,100 yards, and 24 touchdowns highlight his potential to contribute.
Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris views Chark as a valuable addition to a receiver room headlined by Drake London and Darnell Mooney. The team aims to improve its aerial attack after a 2024 season that saw inconsistent offensive output. Chark’s signing provides a veteran presence to complement younger talents like Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge, while he competes for a roster spot with players like Casey Washington, Jamal Agnew, and Chris Blair.
Chark’s journey to Atlanta included a visit with the Chicago Bears last week, but the Falcons moved quickly to secure his services after a Friday meeting. The one-year contract reflects a low-risk, high-reward move for a team looking to blend youth and experience. Chark’s familiarity with the NFC South, having played for the Carolina Panthers in 2023, adds an intriguing layer to his return to the division.
In Carolina, Chark recorded 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns, showing flashes of his big-play ability. His 2022 stint with the Detroit Lions under current Bears head coach Ben Johnson also yielded 30 receptions for 502 yards in 11 games. The Atlanta Falcons hope DJ Chark can recapture that form to provide Penix with a reliable deep threat.
The Falcons, coming off an 8-9 season, face pressure to improve in a competitive NFC South. Chark’s addition aligns with general manager Terry Fontenot’s strategy of adding versatile pieces to a roster in transition. With training camp underway, DJ Chark will have an opportunity to carve out a role in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s offense.
As Atlanta prepares for its season opener, Chark’s speed and experience could prove pivotal in opening up the playbook. The team faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, offering Chark a chance to make an early impact against his former squad. For now, he joins a revamped Falcons roster eager to prove itself in 2025.
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