The Carolina Panthers parted with D.J. Moore in a blockbuster trade for the No. 1 overall pick. Now that Moore is with the Chicago Bears, the Panthers need receiving targets for whoever their future quarterback is. Already having added former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, the team made a major addition Friday as they signed D.J. Chark to a one-year deal.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first to report the news that Chark would be joining the Panthers. Chark joins an already impressive list of additions that includes Thielen, Hayden Hurst and Miles Sanders, as Carolina has done a nice job building around its future quarterback. Whether that’s Bryce Young, CJ Stroud or Anthony Richardson.
The #Panthers aren’t done adding on offense, agreeing to terms with WR DJ Chark on a 1-year deal, sources say. A complete remake of the Carolina offense is underway, and Chark will be a big part. As will their new rookie QB. pic.twitter.com/MUJkUI2PyF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2023
Chark was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 61st overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Across four seasons with the Jaguars, the former LSU Tiger hauled in 147 receptions for 2,042 yards, with 15 receiving touchdowns. His best season with Jacksonville came in 2019, as he recorded career-highs in receptions (73), yards (1,008) and touchdowns (8).
After falling out of favor with the Jaguars, Chark joined Detroit on a one-year deal. Playing in 11 games (10 starts), Chark was nothing if not productive, as he hauled 30 receptions for 502 yards with three touchdowns. Unfortunately for Chark, he injured his surgically repaired ankle and was placed on injured reserve for a good chunk of the season.
Replacing D.J. Moore is a tall task, as he recorded over 5,000 yards in five seasons with the Panthers. In any event, the addition of Chark, as well as Thielen, is a step in the right direction for Carolina at the wide receiver position.
