All 32 teams in the league are set to be at training camp by the end of the week. It's going to be a full sprint to get up to speed for the season in the fall. With the Detroit Lions playing in the Hall of Fame game, they started a week earlier, and all players were in the building by July 19.
Things will look different on the sideline in 2025 since there were multiple coaches who left. Ben Johnson bolted to become the head coach for the Chicago Bears, and he's reportedly interested in bringing a former Lion over to the Windy City.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, WR DJ Chark visited the Bears, and the veteran is currently weighing his options.
Former #Chargers WR DJ Chark, one of the top veteran free agents available, recently visited the #Bears, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2025
More from Chark here https://t.co/89aNYS2yQi
Former Lions WR DJ Chark Visited the Chicago Bears
When speaking to Kyle Odegard of Sports Casting, Chark said, "It will have to be something that makes sense, from a family perspective and also from an X's and O's perspective."
Of course, things need to make sense for his family, but if Chicago checks that box, it would be a nice landing spot for him based on his familiarity with the scheme.
He played for Detroit in 2022, where he appeared in 11 games (10 starts). In those outings, Chark had 30 catches (52 targets) for 502 receiving yards and three touchdowns. One of the biggest things that popped was his ability to stretch the field with the Lions, averaging 16.7 yards per reception.
After his stint with the Lions, Chark spent time with the Panthers and Chargers. The LSU product is an intriguing pass catcher due to his 6-foot-3 frame and ability to track the ball well downfield. Injuries have been his biggest obstacle and play a role in why he's unsigned.
The Bears already have their starting WRs lined up, but they are still looking for depth. Johnson's history with Chark from Detroit had played a factor in why they brought him in for a visit. It'll be interesting to see how this situation unfolds, as Lions fans don't want to see any more former players or coaches go to Chicago.