The New England Patriots are offering DeVante Parker jerseys for free, mere days after the wide receiver"s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles.
This unexpected gesture comes with significant financial losses for the Patriots, marking a stark departure from the norm in player departures.
The #Patriots team shop is selling DeVante Parker jerseys for FREE 💀
Still too expensive?
(h/t @imDvn_) pic.twitter.com/EoHbct7riw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 24, 2024
Parker, who joined the Patriots from the Miami Dolphins in 2022, was a key player during Bill Belichick"s final season with the team.
However, his recent move to the Eagles has soured his relationship with his former team, leading to this unprecedented action.
The decision to distribute Parker"s jerseys for free highlights the Patriots" clear displeasure with his departure, signaling their refusal to show any support for the player who opted to join their arch-rivals.
While it"s not unusual for teams to offer discounts on departing players" jerseys, giving them away for free is a rare occurrence and underscores the depth of the Patriots" dissatisfaction with Parker"s move.
Despite releasing him, the team is obligated to fulfill certain financial commitments, including payments on his contract with the Eagles.
Parker"s one-year deal with the Eagles is valued at $4.69 million, with the Patriots responsible for covering a significant portion of it.
While the Eagles will contribute $1.2 million towards Parker"s contract, the Patriots will bear the remaining $3.49 million, as part of their dead cap money from the previous contract extension.
