What DeVante Parker's extension means for the Patriots
On Wednesday, the New England Patriots signed receiver DeVante Parker to an incentive-heavy, three-year, $33 million dollar deal with $14 million in guarantees, according to NFL's Ian Rapoport. The move gives a glimpse into what New England's plans are for the rest of the offseason and their offensive scheme for 2023.
In the 13 games Parker appeared in during 2022, he collected 539 yards and three touchdowns. Even though Parker was battling injuries and not on the field for a chunk of the season, when he was on the field, Parker displayed a smooth connection with QB Mac Jones, especially on deep balls.
Parker's elite contested catch may prove to be especially crucial for the Patriots in 2023. Last season, disastrous offensive play-caller Matt Patricia, among many things, failed to properly use Parker in the red zone on the fadeaway. As a result, the Patriots ranked last in red zone scoring. If newly appointed OC Bill O'Brien uses Parker inside of the 20 more frequently and succeeds, then New England will benefit immensely.
The extension also grants the Patriots additional cap space for further offseason transactions, including the signing of DeAndre Hopkins, whom the Patriots are heavily interested in. According to FOX's Henry McKenna, the amount saved by the Patriots likely does not exceed $1 million, but it gives New England some more breathing room nonetheless.
With the Patriots featuring an abundance of receivers on the roster and being in the hunt for Hopkins at the same time, there were many questions about who the Patriots were going to let go in the event Hopkins was signed. This extension all but solidifies that Parker will not be the receiver departing, indicating that the Patriots are confident in Parker to build off of his 2022 campaign.
Unfortunately, this signing is bad news for WR Kendrick Bourne, who now looks to be the receiver on the chopping block if Hopkins is added. Bourne had numerous off-the-field issues with the Patriots last season as well, making it even more likely HC Bill Belichick moves on.
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