After considering retirement, former Pro Bowl wide receiver DJ Chark has officially agreed to join the Atlanta Falcons.

Chark, who will celebrate his 29th birthday in September, revealed his thoughts about possibly retiring this offseason due to the stress of uprooting his family for the fifth year in a row. He remarked, “It will have to be something that makes sense, from a family perspective and also from an Xs and Os perspective,” emphasizing that any decision must balance his passion for the game and family needs.

Originally from Louisiana, Chark had preferred teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, or New Orleans Saints for their geographical convenience, but Atlanta proved to be a viable option as well. He aims to contribute to a Falcons offense that may soon rank among the league’s best.

As a former 61st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Chark reached Pro Bowl status in 2019 with over 1,000 receiving yards as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, he has struggled with injuries since then. After a solid 2020 but an injury-break in 2021, he signed with the Detroit Lions in 2022, having a decent season but failing to maintain a contract afterward. Chark then joined the Carolina Panthers but was not retained despite some productive performances.

Although not the leading option anymore, Chark, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, can still provide essential depth and serve as a red zone target. In Atlanta, he will be alongside notable players such as quarterback Michael Penix Jr., running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts, and wideout Drake London.