The Atlanta Falcons have secured veteran wide receiver DJ Chark with a one-year contract as they begin their 2025 NFL training camp, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. Chark signed with Atlanta after evaluating opportunities with several teams during free agency.
The 28-year-old receiver spent the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, appearing in seven games but dealing with a hip injury that limited his field time. Despite limited production last year, the Falcons hope Chark’s experience will provide valuable depth and potential starting flexibility at the wide receiver position.
Career Highlights and Recent Performance of DJ Chark
Chark’s NFL career started promisingly, especially during his second season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, when he amassed 1,008 receiving yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection. However, he struggled to replicate that peak performance in subsequent seasons. Over the past two years with the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions, Chark caught 65 passes for 1,027 yards—averaging 15.8 yards per reception—demonstrating his ability to stretch the field as a reliable complementary receiver.
In 2024 with the Chargers, Chark’s impact was limited. He registered only four receptions for 31 yards and one touchdown, playing in just one of the first 11 regular-season games before a hip injury sidelined him. Before finalizing his contract with the Falcons, Chark also visited the Chicago Bears.
Role in Falcons’ Wide Receiver Unit During Training Camp
With the Falcons’ offseason shaping up, Chark is expected to add depth behind starters Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud III. However, an injury to wide receiver Darnell Mooney during practice, sustained after a diving catch attempt, could elevate Chark’s role in the offense if Mooney misses time.
Chark’s arrival comes at a crucial moment as the Falcons work to solidify their receiving corps and develop their offensive weapons under new camp conditions. His experience and field-stretching ability might help Atlanta’s offense stay competitive and adapt to shifting personnel during training camp.