The New York Jets traded their 2014 first-round pick Calvin Pryor to the Cleveland Browns in return for former Jet Demario Davis.
We’ve reacquired LB Demario Davis from the Browns via trade in exchange for S Calvin Pryor.
DETAILS → https://t.co/GMfGcgY9jI pic.twitter.com/k3CVq3ZQyN
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 1, 2017
New York Jets Trade 2014 First-Round Pick Calvin Pryor to the Cleveland Browns
During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Jets drafted safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye with their top two picks. With these two players on the roster, the Jets were eager to trade Pryor who had failed to meet expectations as a first-round pick. However, they could not find a trade partner for him during the draft.
The Jets have been shopping him since then and according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, they were just going to release him if they could not find a match.
Good for both. Jets were planning to release Calvin Pryor. Browns get a shot with him. Jets get back a player who has no money guaranteed. https://t.co/Tf61DErwkS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 1, 2017
Calvin Pryor
Pryor was drafted by the Jets 18th overall in 2014. In his first NFL season, the Jets had an even weaker secondary than the last two seasons. He had to play out of position, but put together a respectable rookie campaign.
Pryor played in all 16 games and started 11. He had two passes defended, 36 tackles, 25 assisted tackles, and half a sack. Pro Football Focus gave him a 77.5 rating which ranked him 34th out of 87 among safeties.
In his next season he played with a stronger secondary. During the off-season the Jets signed Marcus Gilchrist, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine, and Darrelle Revis. With less pressure on him, he was set up for success. Pro Football Focus gave him a 77.0 rating in 2015 which ranked him 35th out of 87 among safeties. While his coverage may not have been better, his stats were better in 13 games and 12 starts. Pryor made two interceptions, defended six passes, forced one fumble, accumulated 50 tackles, and picked up 19 assisted tackles.
He did not exactly break out in his first two NFL seasons so all eyes were on him in 2016. Unfortunately for him he had his worst season. Pro Football Focus ranked him 74th out of 90 among safeties with a 68.7 rating. In 15 games (all starts), he made 43 tackles, 17 assisted tackles, defended six passes, and forced one fumble.
Demario Davis
Davis was drafted 77th overall by the Jets in the 2012 NFL Draft. The linebacker had some productive years with Gang Green before the Browns signed him away from the Jets in free agency last year.
Davis played a small role on the Jets in 2012 as he started only three of the 16 games he played in. His real production came from 2013-2015, as he played and started all 48 games for the Jets. He had one interception, 198 tackles, 114 assisted tackles, eight passes defended, three fumble recoveries, and 6.5 sacks during that span.
Last year for the Browns, Davis didn’t quite meet the expectations that came with his two-year, $8 million contract. In 16 games (15 starts) he had two passes defended, one forced fumble, two sacks, 59 tackles, and 40 assisted tackles.
The Jets are now reunited with Davis whose contract has no remaining guaranteed money. He brings a veteran presence to a team that has parted ways with many of its longest-tenure players.
