Eagles Sign Receiver Out of Retirement to Replace Recently Retired Receiver
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) John Ross #12 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 28, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Eagles signed formerly retired receiver John Ross.
The Philadelphia Eagles recently took a big hit on their roster when nine-year veteran DeVante Parker decided to hang up his cleats. Parker spent his first seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins before he signed a deal with their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots.
After spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Patriots, the Eagles and Parker struck a one-year deal on March 14. That deal would not last long, as Parker announced his retirement on May 20.
Through nine seasons, Parker has 5,266 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns. His most successful season was in 2019, when he brought down 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns.
Parker would have most likely lined up as WR3 next to DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown. However, that position will now likely go to Parris Campbell.
The Eagles made another move to sign add wide receiver depth, announcing the signing of John Ross to a one-year deal. Ross retired before the 2023 season began, but has since been working his way back to an NFL roster.
Ross was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, but a multitude of injuries kept him from completing a full season. His most successful season came in 2019, when he secured 506 yards and three touchdowns in only eight games.
After spending four seasons with the Bengals, he signed a one-year deal with the Giants in 2021. Ross would go on to sign a futures-reserved contract with the Chiefs in Jan. 2023 but informed the team that he was choosing to retire in July 2023.
Ross initially joined the rookie camp tryouts for the Eagles, but has since been awarded a one-year deal. He is a speedy receiver who could provide a great weapon for Jalen Hurts.
When preparing for his NFL future, Ross posted a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine. This beat out the previous record holder at the time, Chris Johnson. Johnson posted a 4.24-second 40-yard dash. Sadly, his initial run led to strained calves, and Ross' combine performance was stopped there.
Ross was considered the third-best wide receiver prospect coming out of college, but a host of injuries prevented him from truly emerging as a solid pass-catching option. Whatever he showed in the rookie tryout camp has warranted a one-year contract with the Eagles.
Ross will still have to compete through training camp and into the preseason to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, but he could provide some much-needed veteran depth for the Eagles' receiver room.
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