DeVante Parker. Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

Veteran WR, former first-round pick announces NFL retirement

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/21/24

Former first-round draft pick DeVante Parker has announced his retirement from the NFL.

Parker, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Miami Dolphins, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he is hanging up his cleats so he can spend more time with his family.

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

“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them,” Parker told Schefter. “I want to be there for them whenever I can.”

Parker’s retirement comes as a surprise. He had just signed a one-year, $4.69 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March. The 31-year-old caught 33 passes for 394 yards in 13 games with the New England Patriots last season. He was expected to compete for the third wide receiver spot in the Eagles’ offense behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Parker spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Dolphins and the last two with New England. His best statistical season came in 2019 when he had 72 catches for 1,202 yards and 9 touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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