DJ Chark's Contract Being Voided Adds Dead Money Cost
The Detroit Lions are in a better position in relation to the salary cap heading into the offseason.
On Friday, the contract of six NFL players, including wide receiver DJ Chark, became voided.
Along with the talented wideout, Dolphins lineman Eric Fisher, Rams cornerback Troy Hill, Colts defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton and 49ers safety Jimmie Ward will become unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins on March 15.
Last offseason, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes signed the former Jaguars wideout to a one-year, $10 million contract.
Included in the contract were two voidable years, a common practice to aid a team in spreading out the official cap hit for a particular player over a longer period of time.
Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark at Ford Field
© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
As a result of Chark's contract being voided, the Lions are now forced to pay $5,976,667 in dead-cap monies.
Overall, the Lions are currently on the hook for $6,281,219 in dead- cap costs heading into 2023.
In his first season in Motown, the 26-year-old secured 30 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns.
What impressed the coaching staff and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was his 16.7 yards per catch average, the second-highest mark of his career.
His presence, when healthy, allowed the offense and quarterback Jared Goff to have more of a deep threat and forced defenses to respect the intermediate passing game more.
Like many who spent the past season in Detroit, Chark would relish an opportunity to return to the Lions, especially given how Johnson has put receivers in position to succeed.
