Browns cut safety Calvin Pryor after fight with teammate
Heading into the season opener, the Cleveland Browns have cut safety Calvin Pryor.
After three disappointing seasons, and after drafting two safeties early in April’s draft, the New York Jets traded safety Calvin Pryor to the Cleveland Browns for linebacker Demario Davis on June 1. The 18th overall pick in the 2014 draft has made virtually no impact as a playmaker on defense, with two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 44 games for the Jets, but he was a worthy flier for the Browns.
The Browns did not have Pryor listed as a starter on their official depth chart going into the season, but that’s not necessarily a red flag for a team that needs as many capable players as possible in all facets. If Pryor was to see a lot of time on special teams, at least starting out this season, then so be it.
But things reportedly turned sour on Thursday, and the Browns have made a fairly surprising decision.
The Browns teammate that got into a fight with Calvin Pryor is WR Ricardo Lewis, sources say. No word on his fate.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 7, 2017
Sources: #Browns are expected to release S Calvin Pryor just a few days before the opener after a fight with a teammate before practice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2017
Browns head coach Hue Jackson did not address the specifics of the situation with Pryor, chalking it up to an “internal matter.”
Officially, #Browns coach Hue Jackson says S Calvin Pryor is being released for "an "internal matter." Crazy, days before the opener.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2017
Fights during football practice are not at all uncommon, and they usually seem to be diffused quickly. But it appears Pryor had his altercation with wide receiver Ricardo Louis before practice on Thursday, which makes it a bit unique. Jackson added there are no plans to cut Louis though. As expected, Louis was asked about the reported fight with Pryor but did not comment, instead referencing “internal matters” in much the same way Jackson did.
#Browns WR Ricardo Louis, who reportedly fought with Calvin Pryor before practice, declined to comment on it. Pryor released pic.twitter.com/HgMbt7tKA1
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 7, 2017
Next: NFL Week 1: Picks and predictions
It’s a bad sign for your career when the two worst teams in the NFL both decide they don’t want you, or you’re not worth the trouble at least, in the span of a few months. That’s exactly where Pryor is right now, but he may still get another opportunity fairly soon.