The Atlanta Falcons took an almighty gamble last year that unfortunately did not pay off, at least not completely. After signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million while he was recovering from a torn Achilles, the Falcons also drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Potentially keeping him as a developmental option over the length of Cousins’ contract, Atlanta’s plan backfired.
They had to elevate Penix to the starting position prematurely. Thankfully for the organization, he became a solid quarterback right from the outset. Now, the organization is preparing for Penix’s second year as the team’s starting quarterback and making sure he has an elite group of weapons around him. Their search for additions eventually landed them on a veteran wide receiver less than a week before the preseason begins.
Atlanta Falcons Providing the Best Possible Situation for Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins was inconsistent throughout the 2024 season. While he had incredible highs like 500-yard games, he also had a four-week stretch where he did not record a single touchdown while costing the Falcons eight interceptions.
Something had to give, and it was Atlanta who blinked first. Even with all its problems and changes, the offense was still on the fringes of the top-10 on PFSN’s Offense+ metric. Much of that involved the skill position guys at the Falcons’ disposal.
The Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier running back combo was lethal throughout the year. But even in the pass-catching group, another disappointing year from Kyle Pitts aside, the wide receivers were up for the challenge in Atlanta.
The trio of Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud III was an excellent trio up front. But the Falcons aren’t standing pat this offseason. Beyond those three, they also sought veteran experience in the lineup, finding their answer in DJ Chark.
As a result, senior NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on X, “Veteran FA WR DJ Chark, who spent last year with the #Chargers, is signing with the #Falcons, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He gets a 1-year deal. The former #Jaguars, #Panthers and #Chargers veteran lands in ATL after several visits.”
Veteran FA WR DJ Chark, who spent last year with the #Chargers, is signing with the #Falcons, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He gets a 1-year deal.
The former #Jaguars, #Panthers and #Chargers veteran lands in ATL after several visits. pic.twitter.com/wGKFmJSbGW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2025
A former second-round pick in 2018, Chark had split his time among the various organizations Rapoport listed, finding moderate success at each location. Last year, he was a non-factor for Los Angeles before his tenure ended abruptly with a hip injury.
A Pro Bowler in 2019, Chark had 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns to his name. Now, he can rebuild his reputation with a solid showing for Atlanta. With the team already boasting a plethora of weapons for Penix, there is a good chance Chark gets lost in the shuffle.
But as a depth piece this late in the offseason, the Falcons could do much worse than the former Jaguar.
