3 Patriots on the Chopping Block Next after J.C. Jackson Release

2. DeVante Parker

It would take a shocking turn of events for New England fans to see DeVante Parker in a Patriots uniform at the start of next season. After the wide receiver was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in April 2022, he is averaging a paltry 2.5 receptions and 35.9 yards per game with only three touchdowns in two seasons in Foxborough.

Bill Belichick left his successors in an unenviable position after he handed Parker an extension last June, despite the veteran having a year remaining on his deal. Cutting Parker prior to June 1 would do little to benefit the team financially, as they would incur $6 million in dead cap while generating only a marginal amount of cap space.

Offloading Parker via trade would obviously be the optimal path for New England, as that path would free up around $3 million. Accordingly, Chad Graff and Jeff Howe of The Athletic noted that New England will likely be shopping the wideout on the trade market and that the Patriots will "dangle Parker in trade talks in the coming weeks even if they would get only a late-round pick in return."

New England will likely be amenable around a trade return, as the financial relief should be incentivizing enough on its own merit.

At 31 years old, Parker is already one of the elder members of the roster and at a position where age is typically relatively unforgiving. He is due $6.5 million in 2024, and New England clearly has no interest in that coming out of their bank account.