D.J. Chark David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers land Pro Bowl WR, with more additions potentially on the way

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/19/23

The Carolina Panthers continued to rebuild their offense on Sunday, inking veteran free-agent wideout Adam Thielen. However, the Panthers could be eyeing yet another receiver on the open market.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Panthers' interest in Thielen and another free agent, former Detriot Lion D.J. Chark.

Fowler said that after committing more then $116 million on free agency and trading up to the No. 1 overall pick, Carolina was going all-in on Thielen and Chark.

"They're involved in the free agency of both," Fowler said. "So they could be helping their new quarterback with options."

The @ESPN report about Adam Thielen and DJ Chark from earlier this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/9ceLcqlHdL
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) March 19, 2023

Chark only has 37 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games the past two seasons but has shown the ability to do much more. The 26-year-old had a remarkable sophomore campaign in 2019 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 118 catches for 1,008 yards and eight scores.

In 11 games for the Lions last season, Chark recorded 30 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per catch.

Adding Chark might be the icing on the cake for whichever quarterback the team decides to take with the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft. The Panthers have already added several pieces to their offense this offseason, including running back Miles Sanders, tight end Hayden Hurst and Thielen.

According to the Panthers' website, Thielen's deal is for three years. A two-time Pro Bowler, Thielen caught 70 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. The 32-year-old registered 534 catches for 6,682 yards and 55 scores over 135 career games with the Minnesota Vikings.

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