So far, the Detroit Lions have been quiet in free agency, but their inaction is not a bad thing. Rome was not built in a day, and neither were the Lions. General manager Brad Holmes takes a cautious approach to dealing with free agents, avoiding the pitfalls of overspending. Cap space is only useful if you use it wisely. Did the Jacksonville Jaguars make the mistake of paying Christian Kirk a bargain? Possibly, but the fallout from that deal resulted in the Lions getting their own: DJ Chark.
The former Jaguar is joining the Lions to hopefully lead a revamped host corps. Did the Lions make a good move? Let’s take a look.
Talent
The Chark fits seamlessly into the shape of a top-tier wide receiver. He boasts an incredible athletic profile and it shows on film. He is only 25 years old, he can be a weapon anywhere on the field. The split is a key moment in the NFL, something Lions wide receivers have struggled with in years past. He’s got the speed and boost to deal damage downfield – who doesn’t like big games like this:
Add to that his ability to win contested catches., and the Lions should certainly see an improvement between the 20-yard lines. Chark also boasts a size that allows it to be used as a Red Zone weapon, an aspect that Lions need to improve in 2022. Once again, his contested catching ability comes into play, but don’t forget the footwork!
In 2019, Chark had a 1,008 receiving season and looked like a rising star. However, Chark’s main problem is injuries. Chark has yet to play a full 16- or 17-game season, having recently missed most of the 2021 season with a broken ankle. As a result, Chark has just 30 career starts and 2,042 yards in his four-year career.
However, if there is one positive thing, it is that the injuries themselves are not related. In addition to an ankle injury, he also missed games due to a broken toe, a quadriceps injury, a calf injury, and a rib injury. This is not the most pleasant picture of his medical history, but, unlike concussions, such injuries are unlikely to recur.
Correspond
While Amon-Ra St. Brown appeared at the end of the season, the Lions did not have a real WR1 for much of 2021. Their signings of free agents Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perryman fell through, leaving the Lions with a huge open wide vacancy. Receiver coach Antwaan Randle El has approached the Lions for more help in the position this offseason, and signing Chark is a great first step.
Chark should play the role of the “X” receiver for Detroit, the outside receiver lined up along the line of scrimmage. With the ability to bypass press coverage and fly in slower turns, Chark looks perfect. The Lions depth chart on the X receiver was previously limited to Kalif Raymond (not the X prototype), Quintez Cephus (better for the “big slot” role) and Javon McKinley (UDFA training squad with zero career shots). Chark also played the slot occasionally, so there is potential for versatility.
Chark’s fit for the team goes beyond the football field. While the Lions may not have won many games in 2021, they have won many players. Culture is important to Holmes, coach Dan Campbell and their coaching staff, and Chark seems happy to be a part of it. Chark stated that he turned down multi-year contracts and signed with Detroit because it “felt right”. The Lions roster is full of players with chips on their shoulders, and with them comes the passion and drive to succeed.
treaty
Chark officially signed a one-year, fully guaranteed, $10 million contract with the Lions. In comparison, Christian Kirk signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Jaguars, Allen Robinson signed a three-year, $46.5 million contract with the Rams, Russell Gage signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Buccaneers, Juju Smith Shuster signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs for up to $10.75 million, while Davante Adams signed a five-year, $141.25 million deal with the Raiders. At first glance, Chark’s deal looks fair. He has Pro Bowl talent and is still in his prime, but injuries likely limit his market value.
However, Chark’s contract has some additional complications. Chark’s income by 2022 will be just over $4 million, not the expected $10 million. This is because the Lions structured the deal as a three-year deal. But instead of contracting Chark for the entire period, the last two years are cancelled. As a result, the Lions could push some of Chark’s signed bonus – and cap – into the future.
On the one hand, this gives the Lions additional flexibility in 2022 by saving an estimated $6 million on a cap. On the flip side, that means the Lions will have Chark under contract even if he leaves next season. Luckily, the salary cap (usually) increases every year, so Chark’s voided years will account for a smaller percentage of the salary cap than if it were calculated all at once.
Overall
The Lions have filled a huge need with a reasonable contract, and it is therefore almost impossible to negatively evaluate this signing. Injuries will always be a problem, but this is a great opportunity to buy a very talented player for a low price. This will not prevent them from choosing or signing a contract with another receiver. Chark is great not only on the field, but also in the locker room. For a team trying to get rid of the stain left by the Matt Patricia era, signing a player like Chark is a great move.
This trade is slightly more risky than your average one-year trade due to the canceled years, but the money involved is not significant enough to cause panic. If Chark plays well, stays healthy and wants to re-sign, he could be their WR1 for years to come. Excellent rating