DeVante Parker earned over $54 million throughout four contracts with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.
DeVante Parker retired from the NFL on Monday after spending nine seasons with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Parker signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason but will instead ride off to spend more time with his family.
A 2015 first-round draft pick by the Dolphins, Parker cashed in throughout his career with four contracts and currently sits at No. 51 in all-time career earnings among wide receivers. His $54.1 million earned is sandwiched between former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe ($54.2 million) and Jeremy Maclin ($52 million), who spend time with the Chiefs, Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens, according to Spotrac.
Larry Fitzgerald, who spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals, is first among all wide receivers with $180 million in career earnings. Julio Jones is second ($149 million), DeAndre Hopkins ($125 million) third, A.J. Green comes in at No. 4 ($118 million). Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill is climbing up the ladder, currently No. 15 with $93 million in career earnings.
Parker appeared in 16 games just once and it was his best season — catching 72 receptions for an AFC-best 1,202 receiving yards in 2019. He averaged nearly 17 yards per reception and found the end zone nine times.
“I also appreciate the Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the opportunity,” Parker said in his retirement announcement. “I always will have love for the Dolphins and their organization. And I want to thank all the teams, the Patriots and the Eagles, too. But the Dolphins were the first team, and I really want to thank them.”
Parker signed a two-year contract with $14 million guaranteed with New England after spending his first seven seasons in Miami. He appeared in 26 games with 64 receptions, 933 yards, and three touchdowns with the Patriots.
