Miami Dolphins faithful have waited four years for an explosion like this from wide receiver DeVante Parker. And in 2019, the Dolphins have got it. Parker, who is hoping to play tomorrow against the New York Giants, will also be a member of the Dolphins for a long time after signing a 4-year, $40 million dollar contract extension through 2023 last night. The move is something of a surprise, given the close proximity to the end of the season, but more than anything else this deal is good business for the Miami Dolphins.
Because the Dolphins need all the positive messaging that they can possibly send to the outside world. When Miami was looking to add defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to the roster, Clowney spurned Miami and didn’t want to be a part of the rebuild. Former 1st-round safety Minkah Fitzpatrick pitched a fit about his usage in Miami, eventually spurning a trade away from the Dolphins organization just two weeks into the season.
And with so much salary cap room at the team’s disposal come March, the Dolphins are going to want to spend for new starters — and they’ll need positive messaging beyond how much money they can throw at potential free agent signings. There needs to be affirmation that the Dolphins aren’t just rebuilding, but they’re rebuilding right.
That’s what the Parker deal signifies. Parker’s agent echoed excitement for the future, which of course is aided by the contract extension, which includes an $8M signing bonus and $21.5M in guarantees.
Parker's agent, JImmy Gould: "My desire was to have DeVante remain a member of the Dolphin family and we are excited for the future in Miami."
— Hal Habib (@gunnerhal) December 13, 2019
And pair that excitement for the future with Parker’s comments to ESPN just last week.
“…these coaches believed in me. They gave me a second chance when they didn’t have to. I hope I can be here a long time,” said Parker.
As the Dolphins look to land free agents and sell players on coming to be a Miami Dolphin, talents like a happy, paid and productive DeVante Parker will be one of the bigger selling points.
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