DeVante Parker has big night but should still be traded
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins got to see what DeVante Parker could do on the field and so did other teams which is why they should still field offers.
When it comes to the Miami Dolphins offense, specifically the wide-receivers, DeVante Parker is an enigma. Repeatedly I have said he has world-class talent that is unrealized and last night he showed the glimpse of what he could be.
Parker had a career night on Thursday night catching six passes on nine targets for 134 yards. Yes, that is his best NFL game. He has eclipsed the 100 yard mark three times previously. His best prior to Thursday night was 106 yards. He did that twice both against the Patriots.
On Thursday one of his receptions came after a hit on Jakeem Grant that sent the ball careening off a defenders helmet into Parker’s hands downfield for a 40 plus yard play. In other words the ball wasn’t intended for him and had that not happened, he would not have reached the 100 yard mark.
Trade talks dwindled in regards to Parker after the Dolphins lost Albert Wilson for the season and Kenny Stills for a few weeks. Adam Gase told the media that he had no other receivers when asked about Parker’s status. In 2019 Parker is due to make $9 million and change on his 5th year option and the Dolphins can of course rescind that offer at any time. It’s only guaranteed for injury. But Parker is injured a lot and that can not be overlooked.
The reality is that Miami can’t rely on him long-term even with a game like last night notched in his belt. Trading him would be the best option. Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. the NFL imposes its deadline on trades. Parker wants to remain in Miami but should he?
Unless Parker lights up the rest of the season it is hard to picture him being a Dolphin receiver a year from now but then again, this is Miami and they tend to hold some players too long and others not long enough. Parker is in the former category.
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Miami might be thin at receiver but there are options including Leonte Carroo and Isaiah Ford who is on the practice squad. Are they elite? No but neither is Parker at this point. Of course the bigger question is what kind of compensation could the Dolphins get for Parker? Last night might have helped a bit but is it enough to get the Dolphins to make a move?
Parker is not a locker room problem. He loves his teammates and his coaches and came out last week and separated himself from comments made by his agent. He is a team player but Miami can not continue to put their faith in him when the broader picture does not show consistency.
There are more games like last night in Parker’s future of that there is little doubt. The question is when does the next one come and how long will the Dolphins have to wait? Will he do enough to give the Dolphins reason to keep him at the 5th year option or maybe even a new contract? Possibly.
It would be nice to say that Parker turned a corner and that last nights performance was a glimpse of that turn and better things are on the horizon. Maybe he is just a really slow starter but you can’t get past the injury history and that is enough to think that Parker, despite the lack of healthy receivers should still be on the trade block.