Eagles free-agent signing retiring from NFL is comedy gold for Cowboys fans

The Dallas Cowboys' 2023 season ended in absolute embarrassment as they were pummeled at home by the nine-win Packers, who had one of the youngest rosters in the entire NFL. The loss was stomach-churning for a variety of reasons, but it helped that the Eagles' season also went up in flames.

Both the Cowboys and Eagles were bounced in the wild card round. While Dallas entered the playoffs on a roll, Philadelphia limped into the tournament. In fact, they were in the midst of one of the most spectacular late-season collapses in recent NFL history.

For those that need a refresher, the Eagles dropped five of their last six games, culminating in blowing a 21-6 halftime lead against the three-win Cardinals in Week 17 (at home) to relinquish their stranglehold on the NFC East.

It's been a few months since Cowboys fans have gotten to laugh at the Eagles' expense, but the drought ended late Monday night when free-agent signing DeVante Parker abruptly retired after a nine-year career.

Eagles WR DeVante Parker retiring from NFL is comedy gold for Cowboys fans

The Eagles signed Parker to a one-year, $1.21 million contract in March. It was a savvy move amid an otherwise questionable free agency from Philadelphia that included giving oft-injured running back Saquon Barkley a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed.

Parker would have been a nice complement to star duo A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Eagles inked both receivers to big-time extensions this offseason. Brown and Smith form arguably the best WR tandem in the NFL, but Philly has little depth behind them.

Injuries and an inability to create separation in press coverage prevented Parker from reaching his ceiling, but he would have seen a ton of single coverage in the Eagles' offense. He's one of the best jump-ball merchants the league has to offer and he feasts on contested catch opportunities.

Parker would have been a headache for opposing defenses as the fourth option in Philly's passing attack behind Brown, Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert. After losing depth receivers Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus, their No. 3 WR is now Parris Campbell, who's played 44 games in five seasons. Behind Campbell, the Eagles have a bunch of unproven rookies.

While Brown and Smith are virtually uncoverable some weeks, one injury would leave Philly in dire straits at wide receiver now that Parker has retired.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is responsible for some of the finest front office work the NFL has seen in recent years, but it's fair to question his recruitment of Parker in light of this news.

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