Eagles WR DeVante Parker retires unexpectedly before even suiting up for team

For the second year in a row, the Eagles have to deal with an offseason acquisition retiring before even suiting up for the team. Per Adam Schefter, WR DeVante Parker is planning to retire.

All-time Eagles wideout decides to hang up the cleats. You will be missed

After nine NFL seasons, Eagles WR DeVante Parker has decided to retire, he said Monday night.

As much as he looked forward to his time with the Eagles, Parker decided the time had come to spend more time with his family that includes his four children.
 
“I want to see my kids,… pic.twitter.com/enakIQc4LT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 20, 2024

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The Eagles went through this same scenario last offseason, when linebacker Myles Jack announced his retirement during training camp. It was a short lived retirement, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers just a few weeks later.

It sounds like this might actually be it for Parker, though. Per Schefter’s report, Parker says, “I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker said. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”

I can respect that. Realistically, Parker was not poised to have a major impact on the Eagles offense this season anyway. A lot of fans had him as the clear-cut WR3, but given his output in recent years, he was far from a lock to even make the roster.

Now that Parker is gone, the battle for the third receiver spot will likely include Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson. It’ll be interesting to see if the team decides to bring another body to compete.

Read More: Brandon Graham may already have a job lined up with Eagles organization after retirement