The New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns have completed a trade that sends former 18th overall selection Calvin Pryor to the Browns in return for linebacker Demario Davis, who was drafted by the Jets in 2012 but signed a free agent contract with Cleveland last season.
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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Jets were planning to release Pryor if they couldn't trade him, but the move to swap him for a starting-caliber linebacker appears to help both camps.
The Jets were trying so hard to move Pryor because they loaded up at the safety position this year in the draft, selecting a pair of safeties with their first two selections — LSU's Jamal Adams with the 6th overall pick and Florida's Marcus Maye with the 39th overall selection.
Pryor saw his playtime fall last season after having a solid 2015 campaign with 69 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 13 games. Last year in two more games he totaled 62 tackles and a forced fumble, but didn't record an interception.
It could be as simple as a new coach and GM (Pryor was drafted by head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik) deciding to cut bait on a player they didn't draft after giving him a shot in their system.
Clearly, head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan wanted to focus on defense, drafting both Adams and Maye early and adding a pair of cornerbacks in the sixth round.
The trading away of Pryor means that both Adams and Maye will likely be given a chance to start. Former D2 player (Cal. PA) and undrafted free agent Rontez Miles — in his fourth year — is the most experienced safety on the team. The Jets also have third-year safety Ronald Martin and second-year pro Doug Middleton.
Adams and Maye could be getting a ton of playing time this fall shortly after making their way into the NFL.
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