The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to bounce back in 2024 after a disappointing finish to their 2023 season. To do this, they signed key wide receivers to contract extensions. This includes A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
However, the Eagles have suddenly lost one of their wide receivers due to sudden retirement. Which player did they lose? Read below to find out.
DeVante Parker Announces His Retirement
![BREAKING: Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Suddenly Retires 1 DeVante Parker, New England Patriots wide receiver, in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants."](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AP22289632183857.webp)
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, DeVante Parker has announced his retirement after nine seasons in the NFL. While Parker never played a snap with the Eagles, he did sign with the team earlier this offseason. However, he ended up having a change of heart after having some time to sit on it. The main reason Parker cites when it comes to his retirement is to spend more time with his family:
“I want to see my kids, spend quality time with them. I want to be there for them whenever I can.” -DeVante Parker
Looking Back at Parker’s Career
![BREAKING: Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Suddenly Retires 2 14517689 031224 wpvi devante parker img](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/14517689_031224-wpvi-devante-parker-img-1024x576.jpg)
Parker spent nine seasons in the NFL. His final career numbers include 402 receptions, 5,660 receiving yards, and 27 touchdown receptions.
Most of those career stats came with the Miami Dolphins. That is because he spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with the Dolphins. Parker is grateful for the opportunity the Dolphins gave him in the NFL and put emphasis on them being his first team.
“I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity. I always will have love for the Dolphins and their organization… the Dolphins were the first team, and I really want to thank them.” -DeVante Parker
Before signing with the Eagles earlier this offseason, Parker spent the last two seasons of his career with the New England Patriots. He had less than 1,000 receiving yards and just three touchdown receptions with the Patriots. Still, Parker appreciated the fact that the Patriots extended his career an additional two seasons:
“I want to thank all the teams, the Patriots and the Eagles, too.” -DeVante Parker
Philadelphia Eagles Moving Forward
![BREAKING: Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Suddenly Retires 3 Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith cincinnati bengals tee higgins](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_19561953_168400517_lowres-1-e1712861275470.jpg)
While this is a sudden loss for the Eagles, it should have minimal impact on their 2024 season. Considering the Eagles already locked up Brown and Smith for the long-term, this will likely generate little discussion amongst Eagles fans. Still, Parker had an NFL career he should be proud of.
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