Former Jaguars WR D.J. Chark says roster changes led to his exit from Jacksonville

D.J. Chark told the Raw Room podcast that changes in Jacksonville’s coaching staff and front office left him out of the team's plans, and he departed in free agency after the 2021 season to sign with Detroit.

D.J. Chark says he wanted to remain with the Jacksonville Jaguars but that new leadership did not view him as part of their plans. He discussed his decision on the Raw Room podcast, describing turnover in coaches and front-office personnel after he was drafted. Chark was a second-round pick in 2018 and had a 1,000-yard season and Pro Bowl alternate recognition in 2019. After the 2021 season he left in free agency and signed with the Detroit Lions. Key facts: - Chark was drafted in the second round in 2018 and finished 2019 with a 1,000-yard season and Pro Bowl alternate recognition. - He said the people who drafted him were fired and that incoming staff, including a new coach and general manager, did not view him as "their guy." - Chark discussed specific staff changes on the Raw Room podcast, referencing Coach Meyer, Trent Baalke, and Coach Pederson in his account. - The Jaguars added pass-catchers Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram after the 2021 season. - Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke had previously said the team and Chark "couldn't come together" when explaining the move in 2022. Summary: Chark's recent comments highlight differing perspectives between the player and the Jaguars' leadership about why he left. Undetermined at this time.