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The NFL is full of shocking moments, but a player rarely retires right after signing with a new team. However, there's a first time for everything, as Philadelphia Eagles wideout DeVante Parker is calling it quits.
The former New England Patriot made the announcement Monday, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.
“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker said. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”
Parker has no other plans for the moment other than catering to his family.
“I’m just going to take things slowly,” Parker said.
The Louisville alum spent nine years in the NFL, amassing 402 catches for 5,660 yards, and 27 touchdowns. Where does Parker's sudden exit leave the Eagles going forward?
The Eagles will survive, but their receiver depth takes a hit
With Parker now retiring, that leaves Philadelphia with AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Parris Campbell as its main receivers. 2024 fifth-round pick Ainias Smith will have a chance to earn the fourth spot on the depth chart.
Parker was one of the biggest steals of the offseason when the Eagles agreed to sign him to a one-year, $4.69 million deal on March 12th. Philadelphia was on the hook to pay only $1.2 million of the fully guaranteed deal, via Schefter.
“DeVante is thrilled and grateful to become a Philadelphia Eagle and to help this elite organization win a championship,” Parker's agent Jimmy Gould said at the time. However, it wasn't meant to be.
Parker was coming off of a 33-catch, 394-yard season for the Patriots. The 31-year-old was projected as a reliable possession-receiving option for the Eagles. With Brown, Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert taking most of the defenses' attention, Parker would've had an easier time finding room to work in opposing secondaries than he did in New England. The Patriots have no game-breaking talent at the skill positions, which made it harder for them to move the ball.
Parker's retirement will put greater emphasis on Philadelphia's remaining receivers to stay healthy. While they still have quality options, the Eagles are just one or two major injuries away from being in trouble at the position. Parker would've provided insurance for any type of doomsday scenario.
Parker was selected 14th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2015. The Louisville native spent seven years in the Sunshine State before heading up to New England in 2022. His best season was in 2019 when he hauled in 72 catches for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns.
Parker sounded off on what he's most thankful for, via Schefter.
“The camaraderie,” Parker said. “The brotherhood in the locker room on whichever team it was. Everyone always welcome me with open arms, and I appreciated them for that.”
While teammates don't always get along, there were never any reports of Parker having major conflicts with anyone. Sometimes, that's what players remember more so than the actual results on the field.
“I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity,” Parker continued. “I always will have love for the Dolphins and their organization. And I want to thank all the teams, the Patriots and the Eagles, too. But the Dolphins were the first team, and I really want to thank them.”
