The arrival of DeVante Parker is likely to spell the departure of N’Keal Harry. It’s that simple. Parker is the type of player that Harry, a 2019 first-round pick, was supposed to develop into. New England tried — perhaps too long — to develop Harry within their system with plenty of opportunities to earn a spot as the team’s outside receiver. He couldn’t handle it.
So they had to bring in Parker, who joined the Patriots in a trade that sent a third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the receiver and a fifth-round pick. Parker is familiar with the expectations of being a first-round pick, but he was much closer to fitting the billing of a WR1. In fact, in 2019 (his only season where he played every game), he was just that. But in every other season, Parker has struggled with injuries, which has hampered his production. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards just once.
Because of his inconsistent production, it’s unclear how Parker will fit into the Patriots offense — and how big his role will be.
