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Exploring Eagles’ WR3 options after DeVante Parker’s retirement originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
There were a wide range of outcomes for DeVante Parker with the Eagles in 2024.
He could have become their WR3 after A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith or he could have failed to make the 53-man roster. But now we’ll never know.
Parker, 31, has decided to retire. The veteran NFL receiver told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he’s retiring to spend more time with his kids. So his Eagles career ended as the team begins OTAs this week.
The area where the Eagles might miss Parker most? He has experience as an outside receiver in the NFL. That’s what Nick Sirianni highlighted about Parker at the owners meetings this year.
“DeVante gives us another guy that can win on the outside,” Sirianni said in March. “He’s proven that he’s a really good player on the outside that’s had a lot of production, that can win 1-on-1 on the outside. That’s really important to have not only A.J. (Brown) and DeVonta Smith that can win on the outside, but what if they have to come out for a play? That you get another guy in there that can consistently win vs. man-to-man coverage.”
Without Parker, the Eagles’ receiver group after Brown and Smith is looking even thinner. In 2023, the Eagles had Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus and Julio Jones rotate as the WR3 and none of them ever really took hold of that job.
This year? There are several options:
The top in-house guy
The Eagles signed two veteran receivers this offseason: Parker and Parris Campbell. The Parker retirement news probably means the most to Campbell, who could now be in the driver’s seat for the WR3 job. Campbell, 26, has had a disappointing career as a second-round pick but he does have some experience.
Campbell’s best year came in 2022, when he had 63 catches for 623 yards and 3 touchdowns. But aside from that season, Campbell has struggled with injuries and his other four seasons have been rough. Just take a look at…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/exploring-eagles-wr3-options-devante-161627600.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-05-21 16:16:27
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