Duce Staley played ‘big part’ in recruiting WR DJ Chark to Panthers

Carolina Panthers assistant head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley didn’t just use his Philadelphia connections to help make a difference on offense.

This past Friday, the team agreed to terms with wide receiver DJ Chark on a one-year, $5 million deal. And according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, Staley played a considerable role in getting the former Pro Bowler to Charlotte.

I was told in Arizona at the NFL’s Annual Meeting that #Panthers RBs/assistant head coach Duce Staley was a big part of WR DJ Chark’s recruitment and signing with Carolina.

Staley coached in Detroit last season while Chark was with the Lions.

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 27, 2023

Staley, who also served in his same dual role for the Detroit Lions between 2021 and 2022, first crossed paths with Chark this past season. The former Jacksonville Jaguar signed with the Lions on one-year, $10 million pact last spring.

While a pretty successful one for the franchise, the 2022 campaign probably wasn’t what Chark had envisioned for himself. Hampered by an ankle sprain, the 26-year-old played in just 10 games—reeling in 30 balls for 502 yards and three touchdowns.

But, with what should be a clean bill of health and some support from his guy in Staley, Chark will have another opportunity to “prove it” in 2023 and for when the next time a contract comes around.