BHS grad eyes second NFL season
In a move that caught many NFL observers by surprise, the Detroit Lions on Tuesday waived second-year defensive back A.J. Parker.
In another move Wednesday that didn’t really surprise any knowledgeable observer, the Lions brought the Bartlesville High product back for their practice staff.
Parker — who started seven games last season at cornerback/nickleback for the Lions — is in his second pro football season. He put up some solid numbers in 2021, including 50 tackles, seven pass break-ups and an interception, and came into camp in July in the mix to vie for a full-time starting position.
But, NFL competition for jobs is a grueling proposition and on Tuesday the Lions chose another cornerback in the cut down to a 53-man roster. That forced them to put Parker on waivers, with the opportunity for another NFL team to sign him at his current contract terms.
Parker remained available after the 24-hour waiver period, allowing the Lions to bring him back as part of the practice squad and just one step away from seeing action again on Sundays.