It seems like the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was only yesterday, but the truth is that the Detroit Lions' 2025 preseason is almost over already. Saturday afternoon's showdown with the Houston Texans will mark the Lions' preseason finale as they look to end things on a high note following this weekend's 24-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
The preseason hasn't been unfolding as Detroit fans had hoped, which is why some Lions lovers have been focused on the franchise's former players. It can always be interesting to catch up on a recently departed veteran, whether they're thriving in their new surroundings or fumbling their latest opportunity.
Having said that, the negative updates on former players tend to outweigh the good ones at this stage of the summer, as 53-man roster cuts loom. Unfortunately, an ex-Lion just learned about that the hard way to begin the week.
TRANSACTION: The Falcons have signed QB Ben DiNucci. They have also released WR DJ Chark and waived/injury QB Emory Jones.https://t.co/JEuV1Sz72E
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 18, 2025
Former Lions WR DJ Chark Released by Falcons on Monday
Amid their 0-2 start to the preseason, the Atlanta Falcons announced on Monday that they have released former Lions wide receiver DJ Chark. The ex-Pro Bowl WR joined the Falcons on a one-year deal at the end of July; however, his failure to prove his worth led to his being cut before August was even over.
Having been a new addition to the Falcons, it was important for Chark to capitalize on every training camp and preseason opportunity thrown his way. Instead, the veteran pass-catcher only caught one of his three targets for 11 receiving yards in two exhibition contests, resulting in Pro Football Focus grades of 52.6 and 28.9 for receiving and dropping, respectively.
Chark's release is the latest example of his career trending in the wrong direction. The former LSU Tiger is coming off an injury-plagued 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers, which saw him finish with career lows in receptions (4) and receiving yards (31) while only scoring one touchdown in seven outings. His 53.4 PFF receiving grade was also his worst effort since his rookie year (51.6).
Chark was solid during his one year with the Lions (2022), converting 30 catches into 502 yards and three touchdowns in only 11 games. He then followed up that performance with a 35-525-5 stat line in 15 outings with the Carolina Panthers, leaving time to tell if the Alexandria, LA native still has what it takes to return to that form.
If not, it might be time for Chark to consider hanging up his cleats. The 28-year-old playmaker isn't getting any younger, and having amassed over $23.2 million in career earnings, per Spotrac, could make it easy for him to retire young — especially if another injury-filled year is a concern.
In the meantime, Lions fans will continue monitoring Chark's situation, interested in seeing if he can land a deal before Week 1 arrives.