Source: Jared C. Tilton / Getty
Entering the 2023 season, the biggest question on offense outside of Bryce Young is who will emerge as the number one pass target for the rookie signal caller. When Carolina made the move to trade up to #1, they sent DJ Moore to Chicago, therefore taking away the best receiver from the eventually drafted Alabama prospect. Carolina made moves during free agency, signing Adam Thielen after a stellar run with the Vikings, and DJ Chark away from the Detroit Lions. They didn’t stop there, as they also used a second-round pick on Jonathan Mingo, out of Ole Miss, to give Bryce Young another weapon. Even with the additions to the wide receiver room, and the addition of Hayden Hurst, who plays tight end, there still isn’t a clear #1 wide receiver on the roster, something that most teams that make the postseason typically have.
All summer long, the local and even the national media debated who was going to emerge as Young’s go-to receiver, and if the early returns are any indication, you’re going to find that guy in the form of DJ Chark. Chark caught two more touchdowns from Young during today’s portion of padded practice, to continue what has been a stellar start to his first training camp with Carolina. Chark is coming a season, where he caught 30 passes, for 502 yards, and three touchdowns. His best season came back in 2019 with Jacksonville, where he totaled 73 receptions, 1,008 yards, as he earned Pro Bowl honors. Chaark was signed to a one-year, 5-million dollar contract back in free agency, making this a bargain contract for Carolina, and a chance for Chark to earn an even payday if he puts together a solid season.
Chark has struggled with injuries since breaking into the NFL, as he’s failed to never play a full season. The Panthers are hoping that changes this season, considering he’s the best deep target on the roster. The chemistry that he’s building with Young shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Young is more than willing to spread the ball around. If Chark can find a way to stay healthy or play over 14 games, you can’t rule out a second 1,000-yard season, and a return to the Pro Bowl.
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DJ Chark Continues to Shine in SpartanburgĀ was originally published on wfnz.com
