One thing is becoming clear about new head coach Ben Johnson. He isn’t somebody to rest on his laurels. Since he took over, the Chicago Bears have been aggressive in overhauling the offensive depth chart from top to bottom. Nowhere is that clearer than the passing game. Two new tight ends arrived to join Cole Kmet, headlined by 1st round pick Colston Loveland. However, wide receiver might be the biggest surprise with the signing of Olamide Zacchaeus and selection of Luther Burden III in the 2nd round.
Together with D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, one would think the Bears are satisfied with their depth. Apparently, that isn’t the case. Ian Rapoport revealed that the team is looking into possibly signing veteran D.J. Chark. The former 2nd round pick has carved out a journeyman career in the NFL, filled with highs and lows. He had over 1000 yards in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, recent years have been stymied by injuries. The interest from the Bears likely stems from the fact Chark played for Johnson in Detroit in 2022. He finished with a respectable 502 yards and three touchdowns that year.
Ben Johnson eyeing Chark fits two areas.
The Bears head coach seems to favor players with speed and veteran depth. Chark checks both of those boxes. It doesn’t hurt that he’s played in this offense before and knows what to expect. He can be a great sounding board for younger guys like Odunze and Burden, who must learn it quickly. If somebody like him is your potential fifth option on the depth chart? Your team is in great shape. Much depends on Chark’s health. He’s in his 30s and has only played a full season once in the past four years. Talent was never the issue with him. It’s always been reliability. If the Bears do plan to sign him, it will likely happen within the next two or three days.
