Will Parks, Eagles agree to one-year contract

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing versatile free agent defensive back Will Parks to a one-year contract, according to a report from NFL Network’s James Palmer. The deal is reportedly worth $1.6 million with $1 million guaranteed, according to NJ.com’s Mike Kaye. Kaye also notes Parks “turned down money elsewhere” to play for his hometown Eagles.

It was previously reported that the Eagles were one of the multiple NFL teams “checking in” on the former Denver Broncos safety. Here’s what we previously wrote about Parks:

Parks, who turns 26 in July, is a Philly native who attended Germantown High School. He played college football at Arizona before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round the 2016 NFL Draft.

Parks has logged 15 career starts in 62 games played over the past four years. Seven of those starts came last season. Parks’ stat totals: 149 total tackles, 13 passes defensed, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

Our friends over at Mile High Report note that Parks played some nickel cornerback last year in addition to his role as a third safety. MHR seems to think fairly highly of him:

“It’s tough to make a role player a priority in free agency. If there was one exception, I personally think Parks deserves a shot if the price is a reasonably low one-year deal. He is a great team player, plays his heart out, and still has some potential to grow. However, I think the chances Denver retains him are slim.”

It remains to be seen where Parks will line up in Philly. Will Parks be a safety? Will Parks be a nickel cornerback? Yes, puns definitely intended.

It’s possible the Eagles could have Parks play nickel cornerback with Avonte Maddox playing outside cornerback and Jalen Mills at safety. Or Parks could play safety with Mills playing outside and Maddox back in the slot. Or ... well, you get the idea. There are a number of different options. It seems like the Eagles might be trying to build a secondary with starters who regularly line up in different spots?

In any case, Parks seems like a player worth signing. He’s young, versatile, productive, and durable (only two missed games). He can also help out on special teams in addition to having a defensive role.