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Who Will Sign DJ Chark? Possible Landing Spots for Detroit Lions Wide Receiver

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After signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Detroit Lions last offseason, DJ Chark posted 30 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. Chark battled an ankle injury that cost him six games, but he provided a deep threat for Jared Goff and posted a career-high 16.7 yards per reception.

Now that Jakobi Meyers has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, Chark and Odell Beckham Jr. are the two best wide receivers remaining on Pro Football Network’s free agent rankings. Where are his best landing spots around the NFL?

Who Will Sign DJ Chark in Free Agency?

Detroit Lions

The Lions have been active in free agency, but most of their additions have come on the defensive side of the ball. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, and Emmanuel Moseley are in town to help solve Detroit’s secondary woes, while the Lions also re-signed linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive lineman John Cominsky.

On offense, Detroit added David Montgomery to replace Jamaal Williams, but they haven’t done any work on their receiving corps. If the season started today, the Lions would line up Amon-Ra St. Brown and 2022 first-round selection Jameson Williams as their starting receivers, but they still need a third option.

MORE: 2023 NFL Free Agency Tracker

Lions general manager Brad Holmes indicated earlier this year that re-signing Chark was on the table, and Chark seems to have enjoyed his time in Detroit.

“One thing I can say about the coaches in Detroit, they really — they know your kid’s names, and they’re really into like who you are as a person,” Chark said. “Whereas that’s not always the case. A lot of different personalities that mesh well.”

The Lions still have more than $22 million in remaining cap space. Given that he missed time last season, Chark is unlikely to command another $10 million price tag, so a reunion in Detroit could make sense.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are the only team known to have met with Chark, having hosted him for a free agent visit last week. Carolina has since signed former Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen to a three-year deal, but the club is still interested in Chark. In regards to adding Chark, general manager Scott Fitterer said this week that the Panthers have “gotta let that [situation] play out.”

Bringing in Thielen represents a starting point for Carolina, but they still need more pass catchers. The Panthers sent DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears as a part of a trade to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, leaving their depth chart bereft of options.

Thielen will be a guaranteed starter. At present, former second-round pick Terrace Marshall Jr. and trade acquisition Laviska Shenault would likely line up as Carolina’s next-best receivers. The Panthers have a few intriguing options, like ex-Miami Dolphin Preston Williams and 2021 sixth-rounder Shi Smith, but they could use a proven wideout in the mix.

Given that Carolina will draft its franchise quarterback with the No. 1 pick, the club needs to ensure that the rookie signal-caller is surrounded with weapons. The Panthers have already built a solid offensive line and signed Miles Sanders to buoy their running game. Bringing in (at least) one more receiver is the next logical step.

New England Patriots

Jakobi Meyers, the Patriots’ leading receiver in each of the last three seasons, departed for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. Free agent signing JuJu Smith-Schuster will replace Meyers in the slot, but New England could stand to add another outside receiver like Chark.

The Patriots acquired DeVante Parker from the Dolphins last offseason, but he’s only topped 800 yards once in his seven-year NFL career. He managed just 539 yards last year while missing time with injuries.

MORE: Remaining 2023 NFL Free Agents by Position

New England could expect more from 2022 rookie Tyquan Thornton, but Kendrick Bourne was largely removed from the club’s offense last season.

The upcoming campaign is shaping up as a critical one for third-year New England quarterback Mac Jones. New offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien should help, but Chark would bring an explosive element to a Patriots offense that has struggled to create chunk yardage.

Minnesota Vikings

Thielen’s departure has created a wide receiver void for the Vikings. Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the league and can singlehandedly take over games, but Minnesota needs to add competent pass catchers around him.

K.J. Osborn looks like the best bet to take over Thielen’s snaps, while the Vikings could also give more reps to 2022 sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor or trade pickup Jalen Reagor. However, neither of those options is as accomplished as Chark.

There are issues with the fit. Minnesota already has tight end T.J. Hockenson as its No. 2 receiver, so Chark might want to find a landing spot where he’d have more opportunities. And the Vikings have the least cap space in the league, so finding the funds to even add Chark could prove difficult.

But if Minnesota were able to create a bit more cap space, they might consider signing Chark. At the very least, his addition would mean the Vikings wouldn’t be locked into selecting a wide receiver early in the 2023 draft.

Green Bay Packers

Let’s stick in the NFC North, where the Packers could use another receiver — regardless of who’s playing quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers looks to be on his way to New York, leaving Jordan Love under center in Green Bay. Love has received plenty of praise from the Packers’ decision-makers this offseason, but the former first-round pick has attempted just 83 passes at the NFL level.

Green Bay has an excellent offensive line, while Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon headline a productive rushing attack. But the Packers’ receiving depth chart leaves a lot to be desired.

MORE: Does Aaron Rodgers Make the New York Jets Super Bowl Contenders?

2022 draft choices Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs both flashed in their rookie years and will likely be Green Bay’s starting wideouts, but the Packers need more depth, especially given that they no longer have a proven tight end after losing Robert Tonyan to free agency.

Samori Toure, Jeff Cotton, and Bo Melton currently project as Green Bay’s backup wide receivers, and they have 10 career targets between them (all Toure’s).

The Packers rank fifth in the NFL with $23+ million in cap space. While they’ll take on some dead money by trading Rodgers, they should have enough room to add another receiver. Chark would give Love a receiver with a significant track record of experience who could make an impact in 2023.

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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said. 

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted. 

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.



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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.



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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.



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