The New England Patriots waited out the market — at some points testing the patience of its fanbase — but ultimately found a very good deal by agreeing to terms on a trade for Miami Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker.
New England will send a 2023 third-round pick in exchange for Parker and a 2022 fifth-rounder, according to multiple reports. That, in itself, is a really solid flip for the Patriots, who badly need help at receiver. And Parker, 29, isn’t so far off from when he posted 1,200 yards in 2019.
He doesn’t solve the Patriots’ problems at receiver. But he could make a big impact and at a low price. Parker is set to make up to $12.55 million over the next two years. That’s a little more than receiver Kendrick Bourne ($5 million per year) and substantially less than Nelson Agholor ($11 million per year).
Per @espn, the Patriots are going to take on DeVante Parker's salary. If they take all of his salary and bonuses, here's what they'll pay him.
2022: $5.65M + $500k roster + $100k workout
2023: $5.7M + $500k roster + $100k workoutThat's a 2-year deal worth up to $12.55M.
— Henry Coffey McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) April 2, 2022
Consider also that the Patriots’ 2023 third-rounder (about to be in the possession of the Dolphins) may not be far off from the draft selection they will get through the compensatory pick formula after the departure of cornerback J.C. Jackson in free agency. If New England continues to avoid the free agency market, the NFL will award them with a late third-rounder for 2023. So in a way, Jackson’s departure will almost pay for the addition of Parker.
But of course, the Dolphins wouldn’t have parted ways with Parker so readily if he was an invaluable player. Miami, after all, felt Parker was expendable after trading for Tyreek Hill and signing Cedric Wilson. Last season, Parker played just 10 games and had 40 catches for 515 yards for two touchdowns. That’s a substantial decline from 2019 when he had 72 catches for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns. New England is betting it can reverse that trend. And it’s fair to imagine it can.
Parker likely fits into the offense as an outside receiver. With a big frame (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), his skills as a downfield threat — particularly on 50-50 balls — could complement Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers, who are possession receivers. Parker won’t change the offense, not in the same way that some of the top receivers in the NFL might. But, if he can return to form, he will absolutely be a boon for second-year quarterback Mac Jones.
The trade for Parker is likely — but not certain — to make the Patriots better on offense. Considering the cost of draft capital and salary costs, New England was smart to take a shot. And the Patriots would be wise to keep building at the position, perhaps taking a receiver high in the 2022 NFL draft.
