Chargers land ex-Jared Goff weapon to shore up Jim Harbaugh’s offense

The Los Angeles Chargers continue to build out their roster in search of an improved showing in 2024. LA has made another key NFL free agency signing with a former Jared Goff weapon. Ex-Detroit Lions-turned-Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. is joining the team on a new deal.

Los Angeles and Chark have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per Ian Rapoport. Chark visited LA before the 2024 NFL Draft and now has an opportunity to play with the team.

DJ Chark started his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars when the team selected him with the 61st pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Chark’s rookie year set him up for an incredible leap during his second season. He amassed a career-high 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019-20.

He followed the stellar year with 706 yards and five TDS in 2020-21. However, Clark experienced a drop in production during his last year with the Jaguars after playing just four games. He then joined the Detroit Lions in 2022, where he worked alongside coveted QB Jared Goff.

Clark totaled 502 yards and three TDs in 11 games with Detroit. He landed another opportunity with the Panthers a year later. The 27-year-old comes off a year of 525 yards and five TDs.

DJ Chark should be able to mesh well with Justin Herbert after getting experience alongside Jared Goff on the Lions. Herbert only played 13 games in 2023-24 but was still one of the most serviceable QBs in the NFL. He amassed 3,134 yards and 20 TDs.

Herbert headlines a revamped LA squad that looks to take a jump in 2024-25.

Chargers players and new leadership should bode well in 2024-25

One of Los Angeles’ biggest moves of the offseason was hiring former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh joined the Chargers fresh off a national championship with the Wolverines. His experience should help Los Angeles get over the hump.

Harbaugh brought great energy from the first day and displayed his excitement to work with Chargers’ roster.

“The pros on this team, Justin Herbert, you see he’s a crown jewel in the NFL. Derwin James, there’s another one. You talk about someone getting me fired up…We got guys,” Harbaugh said.

He praised the Chargers for their work ethic and noted how hungry they were to win. Furthermore, Harbaugh made a pivotal move that will help the roster ascend to greater heights. He brought in former Michigan strength coach Ben Herbert.

Herbert is a renowned staff member with a demonstrated history of helping teams get the best out of their players. Former defensive end JJ Watt described Herbert as “a game-changer” whose personality and presence positively impact teams.

With the positive changes going on in Los Angeles, the Chargers are set to improve upon their 5-12 record from the 2023-24 season.

Although, things will not get easier in the AFC West. LA has to go through the force that is the Kansas City Chiefs to reign atop the division. The Chiefs are coming off another championship victory from their 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58.

Nevertheless, the Chargers have what it takes to compete with the best in the NFL.