The Chargers are preparing for the upcoming NFL draft and are considering veteran options at the receiver position. One such player they are looking at is DJ Chark, who recently visited Los Angeles for a free-agent visit. Despite being a top prospect on their draft board, the Chargers have not ruled out adding him to their roster through free agency.
Chark, 27, spent the 2023 season with the Panthers on a one-year deal and had a productive season with 35 receptions for 524 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. He was a second-round pick for the Jaguars in 2018 and had his best season in 2019 with the Panthers, where he had 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl berth. After his rookie contract ended with Jacksonville, Chark played for the Lions in 2022, with 30 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns.
Throughout his career of 69 games, Chark has accumulated 212 receptions for 3,069 yards and 23 touchdowns. With the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers are in need of multiple receivers to support quarterback Justin Herbert. By exploring both draft prospects and veteran options like Chark, the Chargers are looking to strengthen their receiving corps for the upcoming season.
The team’s decision to pursue both options reflects its belief that it can find talent at every level of play. While young players have shown promise in recent years, veterans bring experience and leadership that can be valuable to any team looking to win now.
Overall, it remains to be seen whether the Chargers will select a receiver early in this year’s draft or pursue other options like Chark through free agency or trades. However one thing is clear: they are committed to building a strong receiving corps that can help them compete at the highest level next season.