How the Panthers plan to use the new WR DJ Chark as they try to replace DJ Moore’s production

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By Webdesk


The Carolina Panthers are undergoing a fundamental transformation this offseason with the hiring of new head coach Frank Reich and their trade to the top overall spot in the 2023 NFL draft. Other key steps in the team’s total replay of their offense were free agent signatures to run back Miles Sanders, wide receiver Adam Thielenand tight end Hayden Hurst.

However, with the subtraction of wide receiver DJ Moore, part of the trade package sent to the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick, the Panthers will rely heavily on their new wide receiver, DJ Chark, to stretch the field in the same way Moore did. The team signed former Detroit Lion (2022) and Jacksonville Jaguar (2018-2021) four days ago to a one-year, fully guaranteed $5 million contract, hoping his 16.7 yards per catch from 2022 translates to their offense in 2023.

“Make no mistake, I really wanted to DJ [Chark] – many of us did. I’ve had my eye on him for a few years now,” Reich said at the NFL owner meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, Tuesday, according to the Panthers’ official website. “I think DJ is a down-the-field threat. I think he’s a very competitive, hard-working player given all the information we’ve gathered. And if you look at his career, although there have been some injuries along the way, he consistently produces over 14 yards per catch. That’s not a mistake. You could maybe do that for a year, but to do that year after year… and you need that on your offense, right? … You need those bits of play. And he’s been a proven chunk-play guy.”

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Chark has averaged 14.4 yards per reception since entering the league in 2018, the same as Pro Bowlers Julio Jones and TY Hilton. But like those older veterans, the 26-year-old has dealt with injuries in recent seasons.

The former second round pick has played in just 15 combined matches since 2021. Chark also has yet to play an entire season in his five-year career, but he came close twice, playing 15 games for Jacksonville in 2019 (73 catches, 1,008 yards and eight receiving scores – resulting in his only career Pro Bowl appearance ) and again 13 games for the Jaguars in 2020 (53 catches, 706 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns). However, a broken ankle two seasons ago (2021) is on the laundry list of nagging injuries that has caused Chark to miss 28 games in his five NFL seasons.

Reich revealed on Tuesday that Chark is working to completely eradicate the ankle problem as the recipient underwent surgery to correct a foot and ankle condition. The goal is for Chark to participate in organized team activities during the off-season and bond with the quarterback he selects at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“We’re very optimistic that the procedure he underwent will end up being a good story that’s going to solve the problem he’s been battling for a few years and really give him the best chance of staying on the field,” Reich said.

Given Chark’s age and his ability to compete to become the Panthers’ new top wide receiver, Reich’s hope for a healthy Chark is that he’s more than just a deep-shot kid: Reich wants Chark to do it all. do.

“DJs are your big-play receiver,” Reich said. “I’ve talked to DJ about this as well; we’re going to expand his role. We want to develop him into a complete receiver and broaden his route tree. It’s not just about all the vertical stuff down the field.”

The Panthers can begin their off-season training program on Monday, which will be Chark’s first chance to officially team up with his teammates once his ankle is put to good use.





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