He was the “starting LDE” last year, which actually means fairly little since the Eagles have a rotation of 5-6 DE’s, and I would estimate he was on the field for less than 50% of the defensive snaps last season.

Going into camp, Victor Abiamiri (2nd round pick, 2008) was set to challenge Parker for “the starting job” opposite Trent Cole, but he strained his pectoral muscle and is expected to return in about a week or 2, but it was definitely a setback to Abiamiri and will probably lead to Parker opening the season as the starter (barring suspension or release).

The Eagles very much frown on things of this nature, and although they won’t hesitate to cut guys with legal troubles if they don’t produce (Damon Moore years back, and a few others that are escaping my memory right now), they won’t release someone that actually can play (Correll Buckhalter, Mike Patterson). That said, Parker is 31, and one of only 9 players on the Eagles that are 30 years of age or older (and 4 of those guys are either QB’s or kickers), so his time in Philly is coming to a close soon anyway (at the very latest when his contract expires after the 2011 season). If he were to be released, I would view it as good news (an endorsement by the staff of the young DE’s behind Parker). If they don’t… it could either mean they think Parker can still contribute, or that they don’t think the young guys are quite ready yet. We’ll see…