DeVante Parker announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, just over two months after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Parker, who announced his decision to ESPN, said he desires to spend more time with his kids and “be there for them whenever I can.”
The Eagles held their first day of organized team activities on Monday.
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Parker’s retirement should have a minimal effect on the state of Philadelphia’s wide receiver room, both financially and schematically. He was signed to a one-year, $1.21 million contract in the team’s effort to restock depth behind 1,000-yard tandem A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Parker gave the Eagles another receiver they believed could win one-on-one matchups on the outside if Brown or Smith were not available.
Philadelphia also signed Parris Campbell in free agency, then spent two late-round picks on Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Parker’s experience will be missed, the Eagles can lean on younger players who must develop in their depth roles.
Parker, 31, spent the previous two seasons with the New England Patriots after playing his first seven years in the league with the Miami Dolphins. Miami selected Parker at No. 14 in the 2015 NFL Draft, and he retires with 5,660 career receiving yards and 27 touchdowns on 402 total receptions.
His best season came in 2019 with the Dolphins, when he caught 72 passes for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns, all of which were career highs.
Parker told ESPN he has no set plans for what’s next.
“I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity. 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,” he said. “But the Dolphins were the first team, and I really want to thank them.”
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(Photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)