5 Detroit Lions with big contract implications this year

4. WR DJ Chark

Chark signed a one-year “prove it” deal with the Lions in March, and that’s just what he’ll be looking to do. His 1,000-yard, eight touchdown Pro Bowl season in 2019 with the Jacksonville Jaguars feels like it was longer ago than that, after two injury-shortened seasons (just four games played in 2021) and amid the issues in Jacksonville.

Chark will turn 26 early in the season starts (Sept. 23), and at least while rookie Jameson Williams (torn ACL) gets to full strength and up to speed his role in the Lions’ offense should be significant. Target volume from the conservative/limited Jared Goff might be an issue, but Chark is big, fast and can certainly take advantage of every opportunity he gets.

As the wide receiver market boomed this offseason, Chark won’t get a deal anywhere near the top of the position next offseason. His deal with the Lions tacked on two void years to spread out the cap hit for his signing bonus, but if he plays well this season the team will surely be looking to restructure/extend him.

Chark can put himself back on the league’s radar with a nice 2022 season, and one way or another line himself for a multi-year deal next offseason. Or he could be signing another “prove-it” deal next March, with a team other than Detroit.