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Home > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2008 > June > 26
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Parker still up for grabs
First off, apologies to “Blackbart.” Of course I knew it was you on the Ozzie Newsome thing. But it was “WD” — not “WO” (sorry about that, too) — who speculated about it before deciding he was “too lazy” to look it up.
Oh well, when you get inundated with so many comments (more than one in this case), it’s tough to keep them all straight. I’ll try harder next time.
Meanwhile, we’re less than a month from training camp, and while all appears quiet, this pesky Eric Parker rumor won’t go away.
Parker is a surplus San Diego Chargers receiver who the Browns can acquire for a late-round 2009 draft pick if reports out of San Diego and elsewhere are to be believed.
The Chargers say they plan to trade Parker by the start of camp. The Browns apparently have inquired, based on the recommendation of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who coached him in San Diego.
Does this team really need another receiver, to say nothing of one who missed the entire 2007 season with a toe injury? Well, maybe. If nothing else, Parker would be insurance in case Joe Jurevicius does not round into shape from knee surgery as quickly as everyone seems to think.
Of course, Parker, a seven-year vet, still has to prove he’s back to normal, too. He sat out minicamp.
But he’s been a solid receiver for years and probably is worth taking a flier on at the right price (or scooping up in the event he is released).
Even after missing last season, Parker ranks third on the Chargers behind Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson with 170 receptions since 2003. He also returns punts.
As it stands, Jurevicius is supposed to return in time for training camp and he doesn’t foresee any problem being on the field for the Sept. 7 opener against Dallas.
Another receiver rumored to be available is Matt Jones of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Browns have been linked to him, too.
It’s all about depth — and Jurevicius insurance.
As of now, Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth are your starting wideouts, and that looks excellent on paper. Throw in a healthy (?) tight end Kellen Winslow and name me the secondary that matches up against that.
Say Edwards or Stallworth gets hurt, though, and Jurevicius suffers a setback. Suddenly, you’re a little shaky at the position, maybe forced to rely too heavily on a Joshua Cribbs, a Travis Wilson or a Kevin Kasper as your No. 3 wideout.
Parker would bring toughness and experience. When you think this is the year you can go to the Super Bowl, it never hurts to add someone with those qualities, assuming everything is OK with his foot.
