The Detroit Lions made moves to strengthen their receiving corps by selecting Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett during the April draft. TeSlaa, whom the Lions aggressively traded up for in a surprising third-round pick, appears poised to see the most playing time among the two rookies. Still, much can change during minicamp and offseason workouts.
Beyond Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, quarterback Jared Goff doesn’t have many familiar downfield options. Tight end Sam LaPorta, who emerged as a key contributor last season, remains a reliable target, but overall, the passing game lacks depth. So how can the Lions reignite their offensive firepower in 2025 and recapture the dominance they showed in 2024?
One intriguing option still available: a reunion with free agent wide receiver D.J. Chark.
Could Bringing Back D.J. Chark Be a Smart Move for the Lions?
Chark, who spent the 2022 season in Detroit, posted a respectable 502 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 52 targets during his time with the team. His 2024 stint with the Los Angeles Chargers was far less productive, limited to just seven games with a mere 31 receiving yards on 10 targets due to injuries.
Despite those struggles, Chark could offer value as a veteran presence, especially if the Lions feel that TeSlaa or Lovett aren’t ready to contribute meaningfully by Week 1. His prior experience in Detroit could allow him to quickly reacquaint himself with the playbook and provide Jared Goff with another reliable downfield option.
Chark wouldn’t be expected to headline the offense—far from it. The Lions will likely continue leaning heavily on their run game, led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, while using Williams and St. Brown as their primary vertical threats. However, adding an experienced receiver like Chark could offer both insurance and mentorship for the rookie wideouts, helping guide their development throughout the season.
