Key Takeaways:
– Former New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker has announced his early retirement.
– Parker has attributed his decision to retire to his desire to spend more time with his four children.
– After his stint with the Miami Dolphins and the Patriots, Parker briefly signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
– The Patriots are rebuilding their receiver room, exploring new additions to the team.
DeVante Parker Announces Early Retirement
In a surprising turn of events, DeVante Parker, a former wide receiver for the New England Patriots, announced an early retirement less than a year after signing a significant $33 million contract extension. The 31-year-old cited his desire to devote more time to his family as his primary reason for retiring.
“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker conveyed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on May 20. Moreover, he expressed a desire to be more present in his children’s lives without indicating any definite professional plans post-retirement.
Parker’s Remarkable Professional Journey
Parker, who boasts impressive stats with 369 receptions, 5,266 yards, and 27 touchdowns during his nine-year career, started with the Miami Dolphins. The team drafted him as the No. 14 pick in 2015 out of Louisville. He later moved to the Patriots in 2022, making an impact enough to land a contract extension in 2023.
Despite a less than stellar performance in his last season with only 33 receptions for 394 yards in 13 games, Parker appreciated his time in the game. “I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me… And I want to thank all the teams, the Patriots, and the Eagles”, Parker referred to the organizations he has closely worked with.
The Patriots Rework their Receiver Room
In another corner, the Patriots are revamping their receiver room. After a lacklustre 4-13 record in 2023 where all pass catchers combined made 351 receptions for 3,392 yards and 16 touchdowns, improvement is on the horizon.
The Patriots have set their sights on Ja’Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn, alongside the returning Kendrick Bourne and veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster, signed to a $25.5 million deal, transferred to the Patriots in 2023 hoping to bounce back.
DeMario Douglas is another key player, following a robust rookie season with 49 catches for 561 yards in 2023. However, allegations of illegal gambling embroil second-year receiver Kayshon Boutte, which occurred during his tenure at LSU between 2022 and 2023.
JuJu Smith-Schuster on Post-Injury Performance
Smith-Schuster gave an insight into the challenges he had faced during his debut season with the Patriots, blaming his knee injury for the dip in his performance. The receiver, who managed just 29 catches for 260 yards last season, stated he was not quite at full fitness for the majority of his stint.
On a positive note, Smith-Schuster now feels in optimal shape. He expressed his enthusiasm on May 20, saying, “I feel great, honestly. I’ve never felt better. I’m just excited to finally be out here around this time and participating.”