Before every season, big-name players find themselves pushed out into the cold for a number of reasons. Sometimes it might be the signing of a free agent that makes a current star become expendable, other times it’s injuries and cap situations that signal the end. For the Miami Dolphins, the signings of Cedrick Wilson & Tyreek Hill this offseason could lead to DeVante Parker’s exit in the sunshine state.
Obviously, when any high-profile receiver goes on the open market, the alarm bells ring out in Philadelphia. The Eagles still have openings at receiver even with the signing of slot receiver Zach Pascal, but DeVante Parker could offer what the team so desperately needs.
At his best, the former 14th overall pick out of Louisville is a big-play wide receiver that can go up and consistently make contested catches. His best season came in 2019 when he caught over 70 passes for over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns. In a game against the Eagles that year he caught seven passes for over 150 yards and two scores. There’s no doubt that when he is on the field, he can produce and dominate at a level the Eagles desperately need outside of DeVonta Smith.
The downside to a player like Parker though is his overall health. He hasn’t played a full season and his numbers, while respectable, have declined since 2019. Last season, Parker only played in eight games, and caught only 40 passes for 515 yards and two scores. But again, that is already more than Jalen Reagor had in EITHER of his first two years. Still, as he enters 29 this season, the talent is certainly there for a team to take a flier on him.
As long as the Eagles have a need at wide receiver, every big FA on the open market will be getting interest from the team. While that is both the benefit and downside to being so strong in the trenches offensively, it’s alarming that after four years, the team is stuck where it was then: needing a big wide reciever to complete a passing attack.
So should the Eagles take a flier on Parker if and when he gets cut by Miami? Will Parker’s production increase or decrease with Jalen Hurts and a growing offense?
Let us know what you think!
Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire
