Parker could be picked up by another NFL team by Wednesday, eyes other options
In a move that caught many NFL observers by surprise, the Detroit Lions on Tuesday waived second-year defensive back A.J. Parker.
Parker, a Bartlesville High School graduate, could be picked up off waivers by Wednesday afternoon. After that he becomes a free agent and could negotiate and sign with any team without any penalty to the team. The Lions — who are not allowed to have contact with him during the 24-hour waiver period, until he is officially released — could chose to bring him back for their practice squad, or even back to the regular roster if a spot opened.
According to multiple reports, the Lions increased competition in training camp for the cornerback/nickelback position and Parker got edged out late in the preseason from surviving Tuesday’s cuts as the Lions trimmed their roster to the maximum-allowed 53 players.
Signed in May 2021 by Detroit as an undrafted free agent, Parker had put together an impressive training camp and earned a spot on the 2021 roster.
He played in all 13 games in which he was healthy, including seven starts.
He made 50 tackles, intercepted a pass and created other highlights during a promising rookie campaign.
In last weekend’s exhibition loss to Pittsburgh, Parker made three solo tackles.
He is a 2016 graduate of Bartlesville High, played four years at Kansas State and garnered respect as an NFL player.
The future Tuesday night was hidden in a cloud of uncertainty. Wednesday could produce the answer for the next part of Parker’s pro journey.