If DJ Chark leaves in free agency, the Detroit Lions could target one of these 10 options to replace him.
In dire need of a wide receiver who could stretch the field, the Detroit Lions took a one-year flier on DJ Chark last offseason. A Pro Bowler with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Chark missed most of the 2021 season due to an ankle injury.
Through Week 12 this past season, Chark missed more games (six) than he had played (five). An aggravation of that aforementioned ankle injury cost him six games, and before that his connection with Jared Goff was lackluster.
But from Week 13-16, Chark topped 90 yards in three of four games. He averaged 20.8 yards per catch from Week 13-17, and he finished the season with a couple clutch catches in Week 18.
Over those closing six weeks, Chark was pretty much what the Lions envisioned when they signed him last March.
Chark is among the Lions’ free agents who have said they want to re-sign. It’s an expected sentiment from many, with Chark near the top of that list as he enters an uncertain free agent market again.
That said, Chark may quickly become too expensive for the Lions to comfortably re-sign. If he can cash in with a nice multi-year deal, he should do it. The shelf life of an NFL career and the nature of the sport demands it.
If the Lions have an inclination Chark will leave, or even just in case he leaves in free agency, they need a contingency plan. Jameson Williams is lined up for a bigger role next season, but another piece could certainly be added.
If Chark departs in March, here are 10 free agent options for the Lions to replace him.