5 free agent wide receivers the Patriots could sign this offseason

D.J. Chark

If a combination of size and consistency is a determining factor when considering which receivers to sign, the Patriots should strongly consider 26-year-old D.J. Chark.

Coming off a prove-it year with the Detroit Lions in 2022, Chark didn’t have the production that Detroit was probably looking for, totaling just 30 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns. Some outside factors undoubtedly impacted his performance worthy of consideration, but there are a few other reasons that may deter teams from looking Chark’s way.

Despite being just four years removed from a Pro Bowl season in 2019, when he racked in 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, Chark is yet to play through an entire season. He’s dealt with a fair share of injuries keeping him sidelined over the years, which the Patriots will need to consider since they already took that risk when trading for another injury-riddled player in DeVante Parker last season.

However, regardless of the many what-ifs that may arise, Chark’s performance when healthy is noteworthy, particularly his 14.4 average yards per catch during his career. It’s fair to assume he won’t be a player that several teams will be clamoring for, thus allowing the Patriots to test the waters on a bargain deal with a potentially overachieving player.