The Denver Broncos were one of the more aggressive teams in the early frenzy of free agency, adding 10 new players. However, they may not be done just yet. In our latest article, “1 Remaining Free Agent Each Team Should Sign,” writer Mark Stolte pencils in wide receiver DJ Chark to the Denver Broncos. Chark is a touchdown specialist with 24 in his career so far, and could be the perfect addition for quarterback Bo Nix.
Why DJ Chark Jr. Fits the Broncos
The Broncos overachieved last season, securing a playoff spot in quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie campaign. They also shored up their defense, which led the league in sacks with 63.
The biggest remaining area of need is at wide receiver. Courtland Sutton took a step forward and crossed the 1,000-yard mark, but the rest of the group underdelivered. Marvin Mims was the second-best receiver and had just 503 receiving yards.
PFN’s Mark Stolte likes Chark in Denver because of his top-end speed to “take the top off a defense.” Stolte cited Chark’s 14.4 yards per reception average and 4.34-second 40-yard dash speed. Chark would give Nix a reliable deep threat and open up space for other receivers on shorter routes.
Stolte also noted Chark’s ability as a run blocker, especially when Nix chooses to tuck the ball and run. Nix had the fifth-most rushing attempts among quarterbacks last season.
Chark spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers but suffered a hip injury in Week 1 that landed him on injured reserve. He returned and played in seven games but had the least productive season of his seven-year NFL career. Chark previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers.
Broncos Have Signed 10 Free Agents This Offseason
The roster overhaul under head coach Sean Payton continued this offseason, with Denver going big on defense. The Broncos signed San Francisco 49ers duo Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw to big-money, three-year deals at safety and linebacker, respectively.
Their biggest offensive signing so far is tight end Evan Engram, who is coming off a down year after playing only nine games with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The signing addresses the tight end issue that plagued Denver in a big way last season, with Adam Trautman being the most effective in their committee. He posted an unremarkable stat line of 13 receptions for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns in the regular season.
Denver has yet to address the wide receiver position in a meaningful way, only adding special teams specialist Trent Sherfield.