The San Diego Chargers are reportedly shopping wide receiver Eric Parker for trade. Parker gained a reputation in San Diego as the "Bondsman" for his consistent ability to bail the Chargers out in third down situations. But after missing the entire 2007 season, some feel that Parker has irrevocably lost his position as one of Philip Rivers' trusted targets.
With the team investing top draft picks in guys like Buster Davis, Vincent Jackson, and Chris Chambers, coupled with the emergence of Legedu Naanee as a playmaker, is there room for Eric Parker on this roster?
Among fans, the consensus seems to be split between those who say Eric Parker should be traded, and those who feel he should stay in San Diego. About half of the voters here at BoltHype feel the Chargers should hang on to Parker. And an equal percentage feel the Chargers should trade him. There is a rumor that the Chargers are looking for a fifth or sixth round draft pick in exchange for Parker, and one team that is apparently interested is the Cleveland Browns.
Parker's contract runs through the 2010 season. In 2008, he is set to make $1.85 million. In 2009 that number goes up to $2.225 million. And in 2010, Parker's salary again increases to $2.65 million before becoming a free agent in 2011.
So for a guy who now must work his way back up the depth chart, he is making a decent salary - precisely the reason the team might be looking to shop him around.
Former NFL player Bucky Brooks shared his thoughts on the Eric Parker situation:
Count me as one of the league observers surprised by the reported trade interest in Chargers' WR Eric Parker. Although the seven-year veteran has logged 40 career starts, he missed all of 2007 with a toe injury and has never completed a full season without missing a game due to injury. Plus, he has never been an impressive starter when in the lineup and his three career receptions over 40 yards are considerably low for a player regarded as a "speed" receiver. Thus, I'm miffed that a team would consider adding Parker to their lineup at his current salary ($1,850,000). While some would argue that Parker brings added value as a returner, he has never distinguished himself as a top flight returner (8.4 yard career punt return avg.), and he lacks the juice to boost a sagging return unit. As a receiver, Parker is ideally suited to be a fourth or fifth receiver, but his lack of size makes him a liability on special teams. Therefore, a team interested in acquiring Parker likely has a specific plan for getting him on the field or desperately needs to add a reliable veteran to a young receiving corps. Regardless, it seems unlikely that Parker will be dealt via trade, so expect the veteran to latch onto a team after the Chargers eventually release him prior to training camp.
So what's your take? Do the Chargers keep the veteran Eric Parker, or are they better off cutting ties and trying to recoup a draft pick in the process?
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