Should the Panthers Bring DJ Chark Back?

The Carolina Panthers have several big-time decisions to make this offseason. One that's on a lower scale is the future of veteran wide receiver DJ Chark.

In his lone season with the Panthers, Chark recorded 35 receptions for 525 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns. It wasn't high level production but then again, no one within that offense had much success. 

Toward the end of the year we started to see a connection between Chark and rookie quarterback Bryce Young. On Christmas Eve, the two connected eight times for 98 yards with two of those going for touchdowns. In the season finale against Tampa Bay, Chark pulled down four passes for 46 yards.

Back in December, Chark admitted that he was being used differently from what he was asked to do in previous years.

"It's something new. My role in the past has been different," he told AllPanthers.com. "But I'm going to roll with the punches and I'm going to do what I'm supposed to do no matter what. Keep pushing, keep fighting, and try to make the plays when I get the opportunity and as long as I continue to do that, I'll sleep well at night."

Aside from Chark and fellow veteran Adam Thielen, the Panthers' wide receiver room vastly underwhelmed. Thielen will be entering year two of a three-year deal while Chark is an unrestricted free agent. 

So, should the Panthers make an effort to keep Chark?

I think it makes sense. 

You need someone who can stretch the field and over the course of his career, Chark has proved he can do that. I would trust that Dave Canales will be able to get the most out of him and find a role for him that he can flourish in. He's not going to cost a lot of money and it doesn't take away from the pursuit of bringing in a No. 1 receiver. If the front office can add a true number one and bring Chark back on a cheap one-year deal, that's a pretty solid top three for Bryce Young.

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