All of the talks about a Miami Dolphins veteran being dealt at the trade deadline seem to have settled on fourth-year running back Kenyan Drake, who has disappointed with his failure to wrestle away the starting job from the likes of Mark Walton and Kalen Ballage. Drake, who will forever hold a soft spot in the hearts of Dolphins fans for his hand in the “Miami Miracle” against the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, is in the final year of his contract with the Dolphins and a return stint is no sure thing.

But what about another Dolphins veteran who hasn’t really lived up to expectations throughout his tenure in South Florida? The Dolphins surprised with their decision to extend WR DeVante Parker on a club-friendly two-year extension (with a club option) this offseason and to this point in the year, Parker has finally delivered. Yes, there are still some frustrating misplays of balls in the air, but Parker’s presence is notable and his mismatch ability has been showcased in the last three weeks while finding the end zone.

What could the Dolphins potentially hope to gather if they had a team interested in trading for Parker’s services? That’s difficult to say for certain, but establishing an expected return for Parker can be aided by his status as a player with a year and a half of control. Many deadline targets are players facing free agency this winter, but Parker gives a team that extra year — which can be leveraged into more in a return for a deal.

The likelihood of Parker being moved isn’t great. He’s a talented player but a career underachiever who likely isn’t high on any contender’s wishlist. But if the Bengals don’t budge on A.J. Green, teams may filter down lower and end up checking in on Parker’s status. If a team like the Packers came knocking, Miami should be willing to ultimately turn them away unless they get a strong offer; something equating to at least a top-150 selection in the NFL Draft would be a must.

And if a team doesn’t want to dish out a fourth-round pick? Fine, the Dolphins can continue working with Parker, getting more out of him than they ever had before. Miami’s not hurting for picks, so now isn’t the time to be desperate with a player facing another year of control on the roster.