One of the goals that the New England Patriots had this offseason was to do everything they could to help get Mac Jones back on track. After a solid rookie campaign, Jones took a step back in Year 2 and multiple things contributed to it.
Having Bill O’Brien back on the staff as offensive coordinator is a huge boost. Last season it was Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, who have defense and special teams backgrounds, running the offense. The Patriots also brought in some pass-catching help this offseason.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was signed to replace Jakobi Meyers, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Tight end Mike Gesicki was signed away from the Miami Dolphins as well, replacing Jonnu Smith, who was traded to the Atlanta Falcons.
New England also used some of their draft capital to upgrade their skill positions, selecting wide receivers Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas. They will join the aforementioned Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton and DeVante Parker.
That is a crowded wide receiver depth chart, which is why Parker has been named as a potential surprising cut candidate. Based on the numbers game, his spot is tenuous, at best, but when taking a deeper dive, it is easy to see why a move could be made.
It has been multiple years since we saw that No. 1 potential that Parker possesses. He caught 72 passes for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2019 season. In the three seasons since, he has amassed only 134 receptions for 1,847 yards and nine touchdowns.
Parker has zero guaranteed dollars remaining on his contract. If the Patriots need to open up some cap space, they can release him and save $6 million instantly. He will have to earn a spot on the roster during training camp, which is easier said than done.
He could very well be competing against Bourne for the last spot on the 53-man roster. Bourne was involved in some trade rumors earlier this offseason but remains on the roster, for now. The biggest advantage that he could have over Parker is that Bourne has experience on special teams; that isn’t an area Parker is going to be helping the team in.
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