FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Safety Calvin Pryor practiced with the third-team defense on Tuesday, another not-so-subtle indication the former first-round pick might not figure into the New York Jets' plans for the season.

Pryor worked on the far field, with the third- and fourth-stringers, while rookie safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye practiced with the starters on the near field. When the full squad came together on one field, Pryor spent most of the time on the sideline, sitting on his helmet.

Coach Todd Bowles insisted it wasn't a sign that Pryor has been demoted.

"No, it's a sign that we're moving guys around on both fields, trying to get acclimated a little bit," said Bowles, claiming it's part of a daily rotation.

Here's my take: If it looks like a demotion and smells like a demotion, it's a demotion.

Officially, Pryor hasn't lost his starting job, but his absence with the regular defense confirms he's not guaranteed a roster spot. Even Bowles acknowledged that certain players -- i.e. established starters -- don't change fields. Both safety spots are open, and it's quite obvious that Adams and Maye -- the Jets' first two 2017 draft picks -- are the preferred candidates.

Pryor declined to comment when reporters approached his locker. This was the second voluntary practice open to the media; he skipped the first one last week.

This has to be a jolt for Pryor, the 18th overall pick in 2014. Not only did the Jets draft two safeties, but they declined the fifth-year option on Pryor's contract, making him a free agent in 2018. He's not part of their long-term plans. The only question now is whether they will keep him around this season. They tried to trade him during the draft.

Ultimately, that decision could be determined by their comfort level with Adams and Maye. It's hard to start two rookies at safety, a cerebral position. Then again, could the secondary play any worse than it did last year?

The Jets added another safety last week, signing veteran Corey White. He can play cornerback, too, but he'll start out as a safety, Bowles said.

The big acquisition, of course, is Adams, the sixth overall pick. His veteran teammates love his professionalism and the coaches like what they see on the field. Adams is vocal and exudes intensity.

"We knew he was talented, but he's learning the defense like everybody else," Bowles said. "He makes his mistakes and, as he gets better with reps in practice, we look for him to get better and better and help us."