Despite the preseason optimism, DJ Chark’s 2023 campaign with the Carolina Panthers didn’t turn out how he probably hoped it would. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the open market should be turning him away.
The former Pro Bowler, even after the underwhelming year, has been listed amongst Touchdown Wire’s most underrated offensive free agents of 2024. Editor Doug Farrar writes the following of Chark, who he believes might’ve fared much better in any other offense:
Carolina’s passing game was a bit of a dumpster fire last season, but that didn’t affect Chark statistically, except in catch rate. He caught 35 passes on 62 targets in 2023 for 525 yards and five touchdowns, and if you were to adjust that for any functional offense, the totals would be higher. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Chark projects well as a WR2 in any system where he can use his toughness, route acumen, and nose for the sideline to create explosive plays. You can ask the Green Bay Packers about that.
Green Bay would answer by telling you that they were present when Chark had his most productive game of 2023. He notched season-highs across the board—amassing 98 yards and two scores off six receptions in the tight 33-30 loss.
As he did last spring, Chark may have to find himself another one-year prove-it deal. But unlike last spring, it probably won’t come from the Panthers.
