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Falcons sign WR DJ Chark

The former Pro Bowler has played for four teams since getting drafted in 2018.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons signed wide receiver DJ Chark. The move was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo on Friday.

It's reportedly a one-year deal for the veteran, who visited multiple teams as a sought-after free agent.

Chark, a former second-round pick who clocked a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Combine, has played for four different teams since getting drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He signed with the Detroit Lions after his rookie contract expired in 2022. He spent a year there and then a year apiece with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 and the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.

Chark was a Pro Bowl selection in 2019 after totaling 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 13.8 yards per catch and 67.2 yards per game.

Since then, Chark hasn't been able to replicate that 1,000-yard season. His closest attempt was in 2020, when he reached 706 yards.

Chark only played in seven games last season with the Chargers due a hip injury that otherwise left him on injured reserve. When he was active, he caught four passes for 31 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, Chark has totaled 216 receptions for 3,100 yards and 24 touchdowns in 76 appearances and 51 starts. That's good for an average of 14.4 yards per catch and 40.8 yards per game.

The Falcons held their first training camp practice Thursday. During it, wide receiver Darnell Mooney took a hard fall upon diving for a deep ball that left him walking off the field with a trainer. Mooney did not return. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris spoke before practice, so he has yet to address the topic. However, late Friday evening, the team did announce that Mooney will miss "a few weeks" with a shoulder injury.

Assistant general manager Kyle Smith said Saturday morning that the Falcons already had Chark scheduled for a workout prior to Mooney sustaining his injury Thursday, and there was no correlation between the signing and injury.

Atlanta has back-to-back practices on tap Saturday and Sunday.

Football is back as the Atlanta Falcons return to the field in Flowery Branch during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp.

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