FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis has been the lightning rod for the New York Jets' underachieving secondary, drawing the criticism while his fellow defensive backs have gone relatively unscathed.

Not anymore.

Expected to have a breakout season, safety Calvin Pryor has been such a disappointment that his future with the team no longer is secure. One league source said he wouldn't be surprised if the Jets try to trade the 2014 first-round selection in the offseason, hoping to recoup a draft pick before they lose him for nothing after the 2017 season.

The Jets can retain Pryor's rights through 2018, but they'd have to exercise his fifth-year option by next May. His salary would jump to at least $5.7 million in '18 (based on the current amount for a safety on a fifth-year option) -- a huge increase from his $1.6 million salary for 2017. In other words, they may decline the option.

Calvin Pryor hasn't panned out in Jets coach Todd Bowles' defensive scheme. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Drafted by the previous regime, Pryor hasn't panned out in head coach Todd Bowles' defensive system. He's not making plays (no interceptions, no sacks, one forced fumble) and he takes poor angles in space, opening the gate for big pass plays. It happened twice in Saturday's loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Remember when former Jets coach Rex Ryan compared Pryor to Jack Tatum? It was a classic case of Ryan hyperbole. Pryor does make an occasional blow-up hit, living up to his "Louisville Slugger" nickname from college, but he hasn't demonstrated the necessary skill set to be an effective two-way safety. He has only two interceptions in 42 games, which is rather mind-boggling for an every-down safety in today's NFL.

"He's had some good games, he's had some not-so-good ball games," said Bowles, giving a tepid but honest evaluation.

Asked if Pryor has made strides, Bowles said, "From an experience standpoint, mentally, yes. Physically, [he's] out of position at times. There are some things that he's still growing on as a player, which is getting better, but he's making some strides."

Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers acknowledged that Pryor got off to a slow start but has "steadied out." That's a kind way of saying he's not stinking as much as he did early in the year.

This was supposed to be Pryor's year. After complaining about his role in Ryan's system, he showed flashes last season when he got a chance to play closer to the line as a strong safety, his natural position. Previously, he was used as a free safety, roaming the deep middle -- not his forte. This year he's back to playing mostly free safety.

Maybe that explains why the usually affable Pryor has been in a sour mood around the media. On Thursday, he was hesitant to discuss his individual performance. But asked if he's satisfied with his progress after three years, he said, "I'm in a comfortable place."

He shouldn't be, because he's no longer viewed as a building-block player. His scholarship has expired. If Pryor survives the offseason, it'll be because the Jets can't get rid of everybody in the secondary.

Pryor doesn't care about the outside perception of him.

"I ain't got nothing to prove to the fans," he said. "It's all about me. I have to look at myself in the mirror. That's all I'm worried about."