### Eagles Sign Receiver Out of Retirement to Replace Recently Retired DeVante Parker
The Philadelphia Eagles faced a significant roster change when nine-year veteran receiver DeVante Parker decided to retire. Parker, who spent his first seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the New England Patriots for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, had signed a one-year deal with the Eagles on March 14. However, Parker announced his retirement on May 20.
Throughout his nine-season career, Parker amassed 5,266 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns. His standout season was in 2019 when he recorded 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns. Parker was expected to play as WR3 alongside DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, but his retirement left a gap in the Eagles’ receiving corps.
### John Ross Comes Out of Retirement
To fill the void left by Parker, the Eagles signed John Ross to a one-year deal. Ross, who retired before the 2023 season, has been working towards a return to the NFL. He initially impressed the Eagles during rookie camp tryouts, which led to his signing.
Ross was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 but struggled with injuries that prevented him from completing a full season. His best season was in 2019 when he recorded 506 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games. After four seasons with the Bengals, Ross signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants in 2021, and then a futures-reserved contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2023, before opting to retire in July 2023.
Known for his speed, Ross set a record at the 2017 NFL Combine with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash, surpassing the previous record of 4.24 seconds set by Chris Johnson. Despite his promising start, a series of injuries hindered his development as a consistent receiver.
### Competition and Opportunity
Ross will need to compete through training camp and the preseason to secure a spot on the Eagles’ 53-man roster. If successful, he could add valuable depth and speed to the Eagles’ receiver lineup, providing quarterback Jalen Hurts with another potent weapon. Ross’s journey back to the NFL showcases his determination and potential to make a significant impact if he can stay healthy.
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