One Working Theory for Vikings Next WR2
Dustin Baker
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Longtime Minnesota Vikings icon Adam Thielen could be too rich for the team’s blood in 2023, scheduled to incur a $19+ million cap hit against the books. Amid an offseason of roster change, Thielen may be a cap casualty, tradebait, or candidate for a paycut.
K.J. Osborn, the team’s current WR3, could also slide into the Vikings WR2 gig, but it is unclear if Minnesota has the Miami alumnus pegged as a true-blue WR3 or something more.
One Working Theory for Vikings Next WR2
Well, if the Vikings opt not to continue the Thielen Show next autumn and don’t anoint Osborn the WR2, the franchise will need a sidekick for soon-to-be Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson. And Pro Football Focus believes that could be D.J. Chark, an upcoming free agent from the Detroit Lions.
PFF‘s Brad Spielberger authored an article titled One offensive free agent each NFL team should pursue in the 2023 offseason, and for the Vikings, that was Chark, a 26-year-old discovered by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2nd Round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Spielberger explained, “Chark represents a solid depth option who perhaps earns himself a bigger role in 2024 and beyond. Chark was also teammates at LSU in 2017 with Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson.”
“Chark signed a one-year flier for 2020 with the Detroit Lions after an up-and-down rookie contract spent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he may not have done enough to earn himself the substantial multi-year deal he’s looking for. Minnesota tried to bring a speed element on the outside when they signed Dede Westbrook in 2021, and Chark represents a major upgrade,” he added.
Chark has played five years in the NFL, tallying 177 receptions for 2,544 yards and 18 touchdowns in 54 games. He averages 47.1 receiving yards per game and can be a homerun hitter for deep balls when targeted. Since turning pro, Chark has caught touchdown passes from Nick Foles, Mike Glennon, Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence, and Gardner Minshew — not exactly a who’s-who of quarterback supremacy. Perhaps the man could thrive with a single QB1 or a passer more talented than that hodgepodge.
Spielberger concluded by referencing Chark’s statistical prowess and theoretical capability within the Vikings 2023 offense, “Chark’s 14.1-yard average depth of target and 14.5 yards per reception over the past four seasons are both top-20 marks among wide receivers. He would add another element to the Vikings’ high-flying passing attack.”
The Vikings are over the cap as of early February to the tune of third-most in the league but are expected to release, trade, or restructure several veterans’ contracts. After that, yes, Chark could be a possibility to explore for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Other free agents like Allen Lazard, Jakobi Meyers, and Darius Slayton will be available, too. Minnesota may also use the 2023 NFL Draft to scout a WR2.
Chark is expected to fetch $9-10 million per season in free agency.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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