6 Patriots on the Chopping Block After Alex Van Pelt Hiring

5. DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver

For years it felt as though DeVante Parker and the Miami Dolphins were headed for a split. He had put up some decent seasons including a 1,202-yard campaign in 2019 but overall was inconsistent. Still, he had enough talent that there was a belief he could excel in a new home.

He ended up finding that in New England when the Patriots traded a third-round pick to Miami for Parker and a fifth-rounder. Parker ended up being one of many receivers Bill Belichick tried to bring in as he continually searched for answers at the position. Like many before him, Parker never quite lived up to expectations.

During his first season with the team, Parker did play well overall with 31 receptions for 539 yards and three touchdowns but it wasn't what the team hoped for. Even so, his 17.4 yards per reception was encouraging and led to an extension signed ahead of the 2023 season. But then, he took a turn in the wrong direction.

Parker had just 11.9 yards per catch and finished with 33 receptions for 394 yards without a touchdown. Of course, not all of this is on him since the quarterback situation was simply awful in 2023. Still, he won't be given any excuses under a new staff. Alex Van Pelt will need wideouts to stretch the field and while Parker has the speed, he also needs to prove he has the consistency to deliver on a regular basis.