Total Pro Sports
The Atlanta Falcons have released wide receiver DJ Chark just three weeks after signing the veteran to a one-year deal. This is the second deal of the day after signing former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci, as questions surround Kirk Cousins.
Chark joined the Falcons last month after spending the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, catching just four passes for 31 yards in seven appearances through an injury-plagued campaign.
A Pro Bowler with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Clark has found it difficult to replicate that form and has bounced around five teams in the last five years. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news of his release on Monday morning.
Falcons now have released WR DJ Chark and waived/injury QB Emory Jones. https://t.co/Z8vstayu2r
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2025
He was expected to compete for the WR3 role behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney, yet was mostly seen working with the third-team offense and failed to set himself apart from other depth players, Jamal Agnew and David Sills.
Chark caught a touchdown pass in practice last Tuesday, but was said to have had a subdued training camp in general. He played in the Falcons’ preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, which was called off in the fourth quarter due to Morice Norris’ horrifying in-game injury, making little impact as he didn’t record any catches.
The former LSU star caught one pass for 11 yards on three targets in the following game against the Tennessee Titans.
DJ Chark’s release suggests that the Falcons have confidence in younger receivers Casey Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud.
It also highlights the team’s changing offense, which is now built around second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has found some chemistry with tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson in training camp.
This latest development marks yet another setback in what was a promising career. The wideout has failed to remain consistent since his breakout in 2019, with durability and availability proving to be a struggle.
He could land on another roster before Week 1, with teams making final additions before Week 1. But a starting role would probably be too much to ask for at this point.
