3 former Detroit Lions who could be brought back in 2024 free agency

1. WR DJ Chark

A full hat-tip to FanSided's Mark Powell here.

In his lone season with the Lions in 2022, Chark's overall numbers won't jump out at you (30 receptions for 502 yards, three touchdowns). But once he shook off an ankle injury, he turned into what the Lions had to have envisioned he could be when they signed him.

Over five games from Week 13-17 that season, he averaged 20.8 yards per catch (18 receptions for 374 yards) with a touchdown. He topped 90 yards three times in that span.

Chark of course eventually signed with the Carolina Panthers last offseason. This past season went about as expected it would (35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games). He'll hit the open market again off a similar season to the one he had with the Lions, and he's unlikely to get more than a one-year deal yet again.

Spotrac projects Chark for a one-year, $10.96 million deal right now. If he gets close to $11 million, it would be surprising.

If Josh Reynolds leaves in free agency, perhaps for more money or a multi-year deal the Lions may hesitate to give him, there will obviously be a need to replace his presence as a trusted veteran receiver.

Among the free agent options of that ilk, a WR3/WR4 type, Chark could stand out for the Lions based on familiarity alone if they have a need. A reunion is easy to brush off as unlikely, but it is possible if things go a certain way for Detroit (Reynolds leaving).