Quarterback Mac Jones' struggles during the 2023 season have been well-documented.
Analysts and fans alike have also discussed how poor of an offensive supporting cast the Alabama product has dealt with in his young career with the New England Patriots.
There are now some advanced stats to show just how bad it's been as one of Jones' top targets has, in a sense, been among the worst wide receivers in the league since 2020.
this is hilarious
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 7, 2024
WR separation using Next Gen Stats player tracking data
DeVante Parker rankings by year:
2020: #132 out of 132
2021: #127 out of 127
2022: #122 out of 122
2023: #115 out of 115
impressively dead last in separation for 4 straight years pic.twitter.com/Rx2wlxqpR5
DeVante Parker has shown flashes of dominance during his nine seasons, proving why the Miami Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
The 31-year-old had his healthiest (and best) season in 2019, recording career highs across the board in games played (16), games started (14), targets (128), receptions (72), receiving yards (1,202) and touchdowns (nine). However, Parker's numbers have decreased each year since.
After playing in 14 games in 2020, he was limited to a career-low 10 contests in 2021 — his final campaign in Miami — due to a hamstring injury.
Parker was traded to the Patriots in April 2022.
The former Louisville Cardinal has missed four games apiece during his first two seasons in New England and even when he's been able to suit up, has been largely ineffective.
Parker has recorded just 64 catches for 933 and three touchdowns on 102 targets across 26 contests with the Patriots, failing to find the end zone for the first time in his career in 2023.
New England could be forced to run it back with the pass-catcher in 2024 though, as his current contract won't expire until the 2026 offseason.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!