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Losing Terrelle Pryor would set the team back once again

By Steven Kubitza

Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns took a chance by not placing the franchise tag on Terrelle Pryor, and it could come back to haunt the team in 2017.

Cleveland Browns fans currently have their attention focused on the NFL Combine, but every passing day is one more in which Terrelle Pryor remains unsigned. And that is bad news for the Browns.

The Browns decided against placing the franchise tag on Pryor, even though it would have allowed the two sides to work out a long-term deal over the next few months. It makes sense, as Pryor may have been content with collecting the guaranteed money that comes with the tag, but it puts the team at risk of losing one of the only playmakers on offense.

When it comes to the Browns and long-term contracts, there is always a sense of looking at what is wrong with a player instead of taking a chance and shelling out some money. With over $100 million in cap space, one would think the team may be more liberal with the money, although that is never the case.

A major contract for Pryor may not fit the team’s current model of rebuilding through the draft, but the only way to improve is to retain talent that can help moving forward. Pryor did nothing to warrant any hesitation from the Browns, and the lack of a deal at this point is frustrating.

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As fans, we do not know all the conversations between the two sides. It is possible that the Browns and Pryor are close on an agreement, but it still doesn’t change the fact that other teams can begin making even better offers next week when the new league year begins.

Pryor may say he wants to come back, but if he gets a great offer while the Browns continue to be passive on committing to him, it would be hard to blame him for heading elsewhere.

And losing Pryor would be a disaster. Corey Coleman looks ready to be a top receiver in the NFL, but there is not much talent behind him. Ricardo Louis, Rashard Higgins, and Jordan Payton were all drafted last year, but none of the three did anything to impress fans to the point of being comfortable with Pryor leaving.

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If he isn’t retained, any quarterback who stars for the Browns in 2017 is going to have a rough season. That should make re-signing Pryor the front office’s top priority, especially when he actually wants to play for the Browns.

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