The New York Giants want to re-sign defensive Jason Pierre-Paul, but only on their own terms.
According to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, word from the NFL Scouting Combine is that the Giants are “working” to bring back Pierre-Paul, but only on a “one-year, prove-it deal.”
The risk management from the Giants stems from the hand injury suffered by Pierre-Paul in a July 4th fireworks accident last summer. The Pro Bowl defensive end eventually returned from the injury to play in eight games, but he registered only one sack. New York likely wants to see him play a full season—without the club he required to end 2015—before committing millions of dollars over a multiyear deal.
The Giants drawing the line in the sand all but guarantees Pierre-Paul will hit the open market.
Despite all the question marks about his future, Pierre-Paul was still productive rushing the passer over the final half of last season, and he’s still only two years removed from registering 12.5 sacks. Teams are entering free agency with a record amount of cap space, and there’s a league-wide need for pass-rushing players. Pierre-Paul would be crazy to sign with the Giants on a “prove-it deal” before first testing the waters of free agency.
New York will hope the market isn’t kind to Pierre-Paul. More than likely, the 27-year-old pass-rusher will find a handful of teams ready to pay him over a multiyear deal.
The clashing of desires—the Giants wanting the protection of a one-year deal, and Pierre-Paul hoping for a big pay day—should mean one of the top available pass-rushers hits free agency in March without a new deal from New York.
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