From DeVante Parker Retiring to John Ross Signed – Philadelphia Sports Nation

It’s not an Eagles offseason without a weekly dose of roster moves.

DeVante Parker’s 2-Month Stint In Philly

The series of events started on Monday when news of DeVante Parker’s retirement broke. Suddenly, the Eagles were down a receiver.

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

Signed on the 2nd day of free agency, Parker was the 1st of 4 receivers acquired by the Eagles this offseason, including:

• Parris Campbell
• Ainias Smith
• Johnny Wilson

There were mixed reviews when Parker was initially signed by the Eagles. He may have torched the Eagles in 2019, but he wasn’t that Miami receiver anymore. He barely scraped by the 500-yard mark in 2021 and 2022. Parker didn’t eclipse 400 on the 2023 Patriots.

While their QB carousel provided no real chance for receivers, there was an interesting stat that may not have helped Parker’s case.

this is hilarious

WR separation using Next Gen Stats player tracking data

DeVante Parker rankings by year:

2020: #132 out of 132
2021: #127 out of 127
2022: #122 out of 122
2023: #115 out of 115

impressively dead last in separation for 4 straight years pic.twitter.com/Rx2wlxqpR5

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 7, 2024

Even coming to Philadelphia as competition for WR3/4, this didn’t bode well for Parker’s case to make the team, which had the Eagles in familiar territory to last season.

Myles Jack’s 2 Week Stint In Philly

On August 6th, 2023, just days before the Eagles first preseason game. They signed Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham to 1-year deals. Adding two players to the Linebacker core that had yet to sign Shaq Leonard and still had a healthy Nakobe Dean. Things were looking good for the Philly Defense.

It was exactly two weeks later that Myles Jack announced his retirement, leaving the Eagles without a depth linebacker they could have used.

However, Jack’s retirement was shortened. Exactly three months later, on November 20th, the Steelers signed Myles Jack to their practice squad. He may not have played until December, but he could have been a useful piece for the Eagles’ struggling defense down the stretch.

Quickly Filling Holes, Eagles Add John Ross

The Eagles were going to need to move on from Quez Watkins after the disastrous season from the WR3. Seeing Olamide Zaccheaus and Julio Jones not be re-signed wasn’t the best result.

But bringing in four receivers while bolstering the Tight End depth they’ve needed for multiple seasons is a welcome change to Kellen Moore’s new offense.

In the wake of DeVante Parker’s retirement, the Eagles didn’t let the week end before signing a contract for their OTAs, which resume on Tuesday.

We’ve signed WR John Ross to a one-year deal.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wNpO0X8D8z

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 23, 2024

While Ross might not have played for the last 3 seasons, that might be the least of the Eagles’ worries. If former Colt Parris Campbell can return to his Indy form, there’s only need for a WR4 on the Eagles roster.

This provides Ross, Smith, Wilson, and Ngata with plenty of competition for that final spot. And this is all before we get to any potential trade deadline targets in October!

Of all the players still vying for that final receiver spot.

Who do you have making the Eagles roster at the end of the offseason?

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