Calvin Pryor trade was the right move for franchise

The trading of safety Calvin Pryor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for linebacker Demario Davis was a smart move by the New York Jets.

Trading Calvin Pryor for Demario Davis adds needed depth at linebacker and allows the New York Jets to continue their “culture change.” Davis will re-join Gang Green after being traded from the Browns for Pryor. Pryor’s future with the team was far from certain after the Jets selected two safeties in the first two rounds of the draft.

The selections of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye foreshadowed a trade involving Pryor. While the Jets need draft picks, they likely wouldn’t have received anything better than a 4th or 5th. Trading for Davis is a good move because the Jets need depth at linebacker and Davis should see the field plenty. Pryor was a bench or a role player at best, for the Jets. This makes trading him for Davis, who will see more on-field action, a good move.

At age 33, David Harris is on the back end of his career. Second-year player Darron Lee looked like more of a cover-linebacker than a tackler, meaning that Davis could eventually become a starter on the Jets defense if he plays up to his potential. This trade provides the Jets with both youth and depth at the linebacker position.

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Davis played well under Bowles in 2015, but his production last year was not the same.

Davis recorded only 99 total tackles and seven tackles for a loss. Although, we can expect Davis to step up now that he is playing under Bowles once again.

Davis’ salary is not fully guaranteed, therefore if he fails to perform, he will be easy to cut.

Pryor trade is a part of building the new regime

After a series of cuts and hopeful words from Mo Wilkerson, it’s clear the Jets are adapting a new culture. According to an article by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Pryor played a role in the Jets locker room issues. Reports say Pryor had a big ego and refused to buy into Bowles’ system. With a new, stricter culture, players with these types of issues can kiss themselves goodbye. Even if the Jets cut Davis, this move is still beneficial from a salary cap and locker room culture standpoint.

While trading a player you drafted in the first round is never good, it is clear that the Jets are willing to cut their losses in order to move forward. While it may be sad to watch a former first round pick go, this move will help the Jets move forward and continue to rebuild.