Should the Bengals Look at Former Seahawk Terrelle Pryor?

Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) rushes out of the pocket against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday the Seahawks released Terrelle Pryor after only four months with the team.

Pryor is a gifted athlete, but has struggled to make his mark in the NFL.  He can certainly use his legs to get out of any jam (see highlights), but needs to develop as a pocket passer.  Bengals quarterback coach Ken Zampese has had success with this in the past while helping coach “the Greatest Show on Turf.”  But more importantly, Pryor was selected by the Raiders in the supplemental draft while Hue Jackson was head coach of the team.  This tells me that Jackson has some comfort level and rapport with Pryor already.  Also supporting this possible union is the way Jackson designs his offense.  Although he’s only 25, Pryor will never be a dominant passer from the pocket.  But what he could be is a dangerous duel-threat quarterback who uses the run game and his own running ability to “keep defenses honest” and create easier throws and reads for himself (much in the same way Jackson intends to help Dalton this year).  Jackson never got a chance to develop Pryor as he was unjustly fired from the Raiders while the organization was in turmoil.  This could be the opportunity that never came to fruition for Jackson.

The Bengals currently possess Jason Campbell as a backup.  Campbell has great experience undoubtedly, which is the main reason he was brought to Cincinnati in the first place.  But his play thus far with the Bengals has been poor to say the least, not that Pryor’s has been much better this preseason.  Here’s a look at their comparative stats.

**Pryor also has 16 rushes for 87 yards (5.4 yards/rush) and 1 TD**

Any potential Bengal consideration would involve the balance between veteran mentorship (Campbell) versus potential and age (Pryor).  Pryor offers an intriguing option as a backup quarterback who can grind games out on the ground for the Bengals.  He could also run the rare trick play if the Bengals ever felt inclined; Jackson doesn’t lack for creativity.  But Campbell was brought to Cincinnati to mentor Dalton (and A.J. McCarron) in hopes of helping him through some tough moments.  If the Bengals feel this mentorship is still necessary, even in light of Dalton’s preseason success under Jackson’s new system, then this question is futile.  But if they don’t, then Pryor may offer the Bengals an intriguing talent while Jackson could be given a chance at developing Pryor, something that was stolen from him in the past.