The young tandem of Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker the Miami Dolphins were expecting to have in 2015 is now just down to one player. Parker was drafted in the first round with high expectations to become an immediate playmaker for Ryan Tannehill, but that plan has been put on hold thanks to foot surgery. With Parker out presumably for the first few weeks of the season, will the Dolphins be forced to add another body to the rotation?
According to the Palm Beach Post, the eight-week timetable Parker was put on is generous. The wide receiver underwent a procedure to have a screw replaced in his foot. It is the same type of surgery Atlanta Falcons' star Julio Jones underwent that caused him to miss 11 games in 2013. That has left many to believe Parker will not be healthy in eight weeks which means he would miss the start of the 2015 season.
The Dolphins wanted offensive depth this upcoming year as Tannehill enters a crucial season with bigger expectations thanks to a nice contract extension signed prior to OTAs. Parker was expected to help that along with the newly added Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills. Now that they are down a man, will the Dolphins add a player? According to ESPN.com, Wes Welker, James Jones and Reggie Wayne are the best available options. Jones made it clear that he is ready to play when someone calls.
"I'm not retiring. I still want to play. If you need a WR, come get me," Jones said, via ESPN's Josina Anderson.
Jones spent last year with the Oakland Raiders, putting up 666 yards with Derek Carr at quarterback while leading the team with 73 catches and six touchdowns. He could be a solid option if he is willing to sign for cheap. Welker has stated the same thing regarding retirement. The slot receiver's stock dropped after two lackluster years with the Denver Broncos. He has made it clear that he is healthy and ready to play for anyone.
"At times you're sitting there and thinking, 'Well maybe I should [retire].' I think it's just people kind of [pressuring you], but the more you think about it, and you're away from it, I'm not ready to [retire]. I still feel good," Welker said, via 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich show. "I still feel like I have some really good football left in me. I've always said [I'll play] until the wheels fall off."
The issue for Welker could be contract demands. According to the Boston Herald, the receiver is expected to command more than just the veteran's minimum thanks to his injury history. Welker has suffered his share of concussions over the years and likely will not want to put himself at risk for a cheap contract. The Dolphins will not spend anything more than the minimum on a receiver if the opt to add one which could rule Welker out as an option.