The Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran wide receiver DeVante Parker earlier in the spring to provide more depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Philadelphia envisioned Parker playing the slot or as a potential No. 3 option on the outside. That’s not going to be the case.
Parker, 31, shockingly announced his retirement on Monday.
“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker said, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”
Parker was an original first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2015 NFL Draft. Despite heading into the league with high expectations, injuries plagued the former Louisville standout.
All said, Parker recorded 402 receptions for 5,660 yards and 27 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons. He spent the past two seasons with the New England Patriots prior to signing with Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia Eagles depth chart following surprising DeVante Parker retirement
Obviously, Brown and Smith headline things for Philadelphia. The team signed both of the star wide receivers to lucrative long-term contract extensions earlier in the offseason.
Brown netted a three-year, $96 million extension while Smith earned $75 million over three years on his new contract with the Eagles.
The two combined to haul in 187 receptions for north of 2,500 total yards and 14 touchdowns from Jalen Hurts last season.
Philadelphia did sign former Indianapolis Colts second-round pick Parris Campbell earlier in NFL free agency. He caught just 20 passes for the New York Giants a season ago. The Ohio State product put up his best performance with Indy back in 2022, catching 63 passes for 623 yards.
The Eagles did use draft picks on wide receivers Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson this past April. Both will now have an opportunity to make the team during training camp.