Even though the Carolina Panthers scooped up a two-time Pro Bowler in NFL free agency this week, the team is still very much in the market for another former Pro Bowl player.
The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a major makeover, especially on offense. Beyond the obvious culture change that will come with new head coach Frank Reich, the team made a blockbuster deal two weeks ago that landed them the top pick in April’s NFL Draft.
With that selection, the Panthers are expected to take one of the top quarterback prospects available. In pursuit of giving that young signal-caller a chance to succeed as a starter in their rookie season, the organization signed Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders, and two-time Pro Bowler Adam Thielen.
Related: Carolina Panthers set to host two-time Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen
In their trade with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 pick, the team also gave up talented receiver DJ Moore. Thielen will surely help to make up the loss of Moore, but the Carolina Panthers and their next QB still need a lot more help in the receiving corps. And it seems they may not be done making notable additions in NFL free agency.
Carolina Panthers record (2022): 7-10, tied for second place in NFC South
Last week, it was rumored that the Panthers were contenders for Thielen and five-year veteran DJ Chark Jr. After the acquisition of the Minnesota Vikings veteran this weekend, some expected they would be out on a Chark Jr. pursuit. Well, that may not be the case.
On Monday, NFL writer Dan Gantt reported that Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer revealed that the organization is still in talks with DJ Chark Jr.
After Thielen, the Carolina Panthers receiving corps. is very weak, and while Chark Jr. has not been able to recapture the form he had in 2019 when he had 73 catches and 1,008 yards for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he is still a more proven player than what they have and would serve as a solid WR2 in 2003.
- DJ Chark stats (2022): 30 catches, 502 yards, 3 TD
DJ Chark Jr. signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Detroit Lions last season, so he is likely to be looking for similar money, or slightly less in a prove-it deal with the Carolina Panthers.