How Calvin Pryor-Demario Davis trade helps Jets

The New York Jets traded Calvin Pryor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Demario Davis as the move that helps the franchise in the long-run.

After the New York Jets drafted Marcus Maye out of Florida and Jamal Adams out of LSU, safety Calvin Pryor became expendable. However, it was only via trade, because if the Jets had cut him, his entire contract was guaranteed, and it would’ve cost the team $1.5M. On the other hand, linebacker Demario Davis is owed $3.7M, and it would cost the Jets nothing to cut him.

Davis will be a benefit to the team, though. The Jets needed to add some depth at the linebacker position, and they got a nice piece by landing him. The Jets officially list Davis as an inside linebacker on their roster page, but he can play outside as well.

It took Davis some time to develop, but he’s turned into a solid NFL player. He has speed, acceleration, strength, and athleticism to go up against tackles or guards. He’s also built to succeed inside or outside. His ability to play either position is great for this team because that means no matter who needs a breather (Darron Lee, Jordan Jenkins, Lorenzo Mauldin, or Bruce Carter), he can fill in.

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Davis also adds another element the Jets need. He gives the team a mature leader they will desperately need in 2017 and beyond.

The Jets got rid of a contract, similar to what Houston did with Brock Osweiler, and they get a better player and a dumpable contract (if Davis doesn’t work out) in return.

The Jets are probably stuck with Sheldon Richardson, for now. However, as ESPN’s Rich Cimini points out, this trade does send a signal that the Jets are willing to part ways with young players:

The New York Jets’ offseason youth movement has claimed another victim … and he’s only 24 years old.

This trade is a 24-year-old for a 28-year-old. If Richardson plays well enough, he might be traded before the trading deadline, but it’s highly unlikely given the $8.069M salary (which would be prorated). The trade shows the Jets are willing to get rid of underachievers. It’s a good sign for this regime.