DJ Chark Jr. Turned Down Long-Term Contract to Play for Lions
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DJ Chark is officially a member of the Detroit Lions.
The Lions needed a wideout that can serve as a vertical threat, and Chark fills the void.
As a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, he enjoyed a Pro Bowl season in 2019, but has experienced a decline in productivity over the last two seasons.
A significant reason why has been the injury bug. He only played in four games in 2021 due to an ankle fracture.
Yet, the injury didn’t deter Lions general manager Brad Holmes from pursuing and ultimately landing the free-agent wideout.
“It’s easy to talk about the stats and all of his accomplishments,” Holmes said. “Year two and he’s a Pro Bowler and all that stuff. But, the real thing is we’re all about culture, we’re all about fit. That’s what D.J. brings. He fits what we’re all about. I always says you have players on a football team, and then you have football players. D.J.’s a football player.”
Chark, meanwhile, said he was familiar with the Lions while with the Jaguars, and was aware of the culture the team was building in 2021.
“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.”
Chark caught seven passes for 154 yards and two scores before suffering his aforementioned season-ending injury in Week 4.
Yet, his 2019 season saw him catch 74 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
Despite his ankle injury, he’s not worried about his explosiveness being affected by the injury as he prepares for the 2022 season.
“I’m not as explosive as I want to be yet,” Chark said. “But, to say that it’s only March 17, I think I’m in a really good spot. By the time the lights come on, I’m gonna be where I wanna be and be who I wanna be.”
He turned down longer-term offers to come to Detroit.
“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.”
With taking the shorter contract, he’s eager to prove that the 2019 season was no fluke.
“I view myself as a top player, but with that being said, with injuries and stuff like that, you have to prove yourself,” Chark said. “I feel like this organization is the place to do it. It’s not about money, it’s about the best fit.”
The talented wideout was also sold on the efforts of the team and coaching staff to build a winning culture.
“(It's a) hard-working team,” Chark said. “We were talking to my agent and different players that were here. The culture here is big, and that’s something that I really want to be part of, like a family. And, it feels like I’m entering one. I’ve been accepted. So now, it’s on me to prove myself obviously, but I feel very comfortable.”
