Sources: Pats to cut WR Parker, add RB Gibson
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots informed veteran wide receiver DeVante Parker that they are releasing him on Wednesday, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Parker has now been given permission to talk to other teams, his agent, Jimmy Gould, told ESPN.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have agreed to a three-year deal with former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson that has a base value of $11.25 million and maximum value of $17.25 million, according to a source.
Gibson will be a top complement to No. 1 running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who enters the final year of his contract in 2024. Gibson has a receiver-based background, having totaled 642 carries for 2,643 yards (4.11 avg.) with 22 touchdowns over his four-year career, while adding 172 receptions for 1,283 yards with 7 touchdowns.
As for Parker, who enters his 10th NFL season in 2024, he had signed a new three-year deal with the Patriots worth up to $33 million last July. He was a favorite of former head coach Bill Belichick for his ability to make plays down the field.
Parker finished with 33 receptions for 394 yards and no touchdown catches last season.
Originally selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2015 draft, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Parker played the first seven years of his career in Miami. He was acquired by the Patriots in exchange for a third-round pick in April of 2022.
The Patriots are reshaping their offense under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.