The Philadelphia Eagles just suffered a significant roster loss when nine-year veteran DeVante Parker opted to retire. Parker played his first seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins before signing with their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots.
After spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Patriots, the Eagles and Parker agreed to a one-year contract on March 14. Parker announced his retirement on May 20, thus the deal would not last long.
Parker has accumulated 5,266 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns over nine seasons. His most productive season was in 2019, when he accumulated 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns.
Parker would have most likely lined up as WR3 alongside DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. However, that role is now set to go to Parris Campbell.
The Eagles made another effort to provide wide receiver depth by signing John Ross to a one-year agreement. Ross retired before the 2023 season began, but has subsequently worked his way back onto an NFL roster.
Ross was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, but multiple injuries prevented him from playing a full season. His most successful season was in 2019, when he accumulated 506 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games.
After four seasons with the Bengals, he signed a one-year contract with the Giants for 2021. Ross went on to sign a futures-reserved deal with the Chiefs in January 2023, but notified the team that he planned to retire in July 2023.
Ross initially participated in the Eagles’ rookie camp tryouts, but has since been given a one-year contract. He is a fast receiver who might be a valuable weapon for Jalen Hurts.
The #Eagles have signed former #Bengals speedy WR John Ross, who is coming out of retirement. pic.twitter.com/4OXKbvR4up
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 23, 2024
Ross ran a 4.22-second 40-yard sprint at the 2017 NFL Combine to prepare for his future in the league. This beat the previous record holder, Chris Johnson. Johnson ran a 4.24-second 40-yard sprint. Unfortunately, Ross’s maiden run resulted in tight calves, and his combine performance was cut short.
Ross was regarded as the third-best wide receiver prospect coming out of college, but a series of injuries stopped him from truly establishing as a viable pass-catcher. Whatever he exhibited during the rookie tryout camp earned him a one-year deal with the Eagles.
Ross will still have to compete in training camp and during the preseason to make the 53-man roster, but he might give some much-needed veteran depth in the Eagles’ receiving group.