Cleveland Browns: Let’s Take a Pass on Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor is allegedly eyeing a 2018 return to the Cleveland Browns and it sounds like the feeling is mutual. However when it comes to the quarterback turned receiver, this is one reunion the Browns should avoid.
The rumor mill is in full swing. One name that is coming up among possible free agent additions for the Cleveland Browns is former wide receiver, Terrelle Pryor. Browns fans love a good reunion story, but this is no time to turn back the clock.
One argument for adding Pryor is that he had the best year of his short career with the Browns in 2016, catching 77 passes for 1,007 yards. Pryor was unquestionably the number one option for a young Browns receiving core, and was 12th in total targets among all receivers.
However, it’s fair to say that 2016 may represent the ceiling for Pryor. In a return engagement, Pryor would be, at best, the number two option behind Josh Gordon. That’s not considering who the Browns may add in free agency, or what new offensive coordinator Todd Haley can do with Corey Coleman. With the Steelers, Haley had a lot of mouths to feed. But year after year, when it came to receptions by receivers, it was Antonio Brown and everyone else.
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In fairness, Pryor was thrust into the primary receiver role in 2016. If you recall, Gordon was suspended prior to the season and Coleman missed about half the season with a broken hand. It’s possible that Gordon, Coleman and Pryor could coexist. A luxury of receiving options would be a nice problem to have.
But there are reasons to believe that Pryor may have difficulties having less than a starring role in the offense. Two articles that appeared late in 2016 raise questions about Pryor’s influence on a young team. Wide receivers are notoriously referred to as divas and Pryor is no different. However, the Cleveland Browns are trying to build a new culture and these comments from Hue Jackson about some of Pryor’s on-the-field antics are cause for concern.
"“I just think it’s unfortunate that those things have happened,” Jackson said. “I don’t think that they have any place in the National Football League, especially on our team, so we’re going to try and get all those things to quiet down. We just want to play football, be the best football players we can be and let’s get away from all of that.” — Jackson said via Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram"
And those comments were followed by this critique from former teammate Brian Hartline.
"“Is he my No. 1? God, I hope not because let’s put it this way: For me, I want a guy day in and day out I know what I’m getting. You don’t know what you’re going to get. You don’t know who’s going to show up. You don’t know if he’s going to get in trouble. You don’t know if he’s going to smart off. I need stability. That’s so more important to me. I need a guy that runs routes. I need stability. I need constant production.” — Hartline said via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk"
Are either of these comments death blows to bringing Pryor back? Maybe not. But there’s a reason Pryor was unable to get the deal he was looking for prior to the 2017 season.
Next: Would the Browns consider bringing Gabriel home?
What will be more telling is how many suitors seek his services for 2018. As for the Browns, there are other free agent options. This is one pass best left incomplete.