DJ Chark was certainly a fit for what the Lions wanted in a wide receiver, but general manager Brad Holmes has confirmed the all-around fit.
In their search for someone who fit the template they wanted in an “X” receiver, the Detroit Lions signed DJ Chark to a one-year deal worth “up to” $12 million.
Chark’s last couple seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars were put off course by injuries, including a broken ankle that cost him all but four games last season. But he has a 1,000-yard season on his resume, with a size and speed combination that seems sure to fit ideally in the Lions’ offense.
Speaking to Sirius XM NFL Radio last week, Lions general manager Brad Holmes spoke about Chark’s fit.
There are certain favorites that just emerge through that process and DJ was one of them,” “It’s just that he just fit what we’re about. We have a lot of collaboration sessions, just coaching and personnel and getting on the same page and just to hear [receivers coach Antwaan] Randle El and [offensive coordinator] Ben Johnson just talk about what they’re looking for at the receiver position. And everybody talks about the X receiver position, but Ben is a pretty creative guy — he’s got no problem moving guys around. But DJ fit a lot of those qualities about having speed, explosiveness, length. And he’s a football player.”
In parallell with Brad Holmes, DJ Chark quickly cited Lions’ culture fit for him
Upon signing with the Lions, Chark cited how he had observed the new culture in Detroit from afar last season.
“I kept up with the Lions just because at the time we had the same record,” Chark said. “But, the games looked different, and I appreciated the hustle, grit, the way they persevered.”
“I had like one or two long-term deals, but it wasn’t the right fit,” Chark said. “This is the right fit, and I’m happy about my decision.”
Make no mistake, Chark is on a prove-it deal with the Lions. But if he stays healthy and is productive, 2022 could be the first year of a multi-year relationship between a player and a team that saw a fit for each other right away.