3 Patriots Vets on the Chopping Block After Youth Movement Comments
By Ryan Bunton
1. DeVante Parker
Another "Bill Belichick guy", Parker just finished up his second season in New England and turned 31 last month. In 13 games for the Patriots in 2023, Parker hauled in 33 catches for 394 yards and no scores.
Throughout his nine NFL seasons, the former 14th overall pick has only played a full season once. In his two campaigns in New England following a trade from division rival Miami Dolphins, he is averaging a measly 2.5 receptions per game and 35.9 yards per game while only adding three touchdowns.
Parker was acquired from Miami in April 2022, and after an average first season, Belichick signed him to a three-year contract extension as the receiver was entering the final season of his deal. The rush to extend him was a little head-scratching, especially within the context of Belichick's refusal to pay Meyers (hence Parker's designation as a "Bill guy").
The Patriots are reportedly already considering parting ways with Parker. Jeff Howe and Chad Graff of The Athletic reported that New England "soon could be shopping" the veteran wideout and that fans of the team should "look for the Patriots to dangle Parker in trade talks in the coming weeks even if they would get only a late-round pick in return".
Similarly to Smith-Schuster, Parker's substantial cap hit is another incentive for New England to move on from him. As things stand right now, the receiver would incur a $6.5 million cap hit in 2024. Trading Parker could free up over $3 million in cap space.
On the north side of 30, injury prone, production in decline, and a high cap hit, Parker is a surefire bet to be a casualty of the "youth movement" that Patriots brass is looking to initiate.
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