NEW YORK — Nothing soothes the pain of dental work quite like a few million dollars.
Port St. Joe and Louisville standout Calvin Pryor signed with the New York Jets on Monday. The No. 18 overall selection at safety penned a four-year rookie deal worth an estimated $8.56 million, according to CBSsports.com. The contract also calls for an estimated $4.55 million signing bonus.
Rookie contracts are based on draft position. Complete details of the contract were not released by the Jets, as of Tuesday.
Pryor missed portions of the Jets’ Organized Team Activities last week due to extraction of three wisdom teeth. He was able to participate in individual drills but was held out of team activities when swelling was too great to wear a helmet. He spent time on a stationary bicycle and observed practice.
The lack of OTA work wasn’t a concern for Jets coach Rex Ryan. He lauded the selection of Pryor on draft day and said the former Tiger Shark was “very impressive” during rookie minicamp May 16-18.
Pryor voiced frustration to nj.com about not being able to compete, saying “I want to be out there with the guys.” He added that he was still engaging in “mental reps” and was looking forward to full contact.
Contact became his trademark, as he was nicknamed “Louisville Slugger” for his hard hits with the Cardinals. The physical mentality immediately attracted the Jets and they made him the team’s sixth consecutive first-round defensive selection.
The 5-foot-11, 207-pound Pryor had 218 tackles and seven interceptions in three seasons at Louisville. Ryan called Pryor an “enforcer” and eagerly awaits his punishment of NFL running backs and wide receivers.
Pryor joins Bay graduate Khyri Thornton as NFL signees. Thornton, a defensive lineman, was selected in the third round by Green Bay and signed on May 19. His total contract was slotted close to $3 million with an estimated signing bonus of nearly $600,000.