Jordan Ranaan of NJ.com reports there’s speculation out of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that the New York Giants want to sign pending free agent Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year “prove it” deal, but won’t be interested in applying the franchise tag.
"“The Giants would like Pierre-Paul to return, and they’re working to make it happen. But they’re only willing to do it on a one-year, prove-it deal. If Pierre-Paul can get more elsewhere, he’s likely gone. So there is a good chance nothing will get done on that end either until Pierre-Paul can gauge his value during the legal tampering period or when free agency opens.”"
Makes sense. But, does JPP’s team understand?
"“There is a belief from Pierre-Paul’s team that a long-term deal is out there in the neighborhood of $10 million per year.”"
Guess not.
With the First Pick
Spotrac.com estimates JPP’s market value to be in the neighborhood of five years at around $12.7 – $13.5 million per year, citing similar contracts for players of his age like Jerry Hughes, Justin Houston, Charles Johnson, and Robert Quinn.
In the first year of his contract, Jerry Hughes collected 5 sacks, forced 2 fumbles, and had 52 combined tackles for a total “approximate value” of 9. Hughes had back to back seasons with ten sacks prior to this year.
After tallying 22 sacks in his contract year (2014), Justin Houston notched 7.5 sacks and 30 combined tackles in 11 games.
Charles Johnson should be entering the final year of his current contract with the Carolina Panthers, but only had one sack and 12 combined tackles in nine games for the NFC Champions. There have been reports that the Panthers want Johnson back, but at a lower price while some believe he’s on his way out of Carolina as a salary cap casualty.
Meanwhile, Robert Quinn will be entering the third year of his current deal after starting just seven games in 2015, tallying five sacks, three forced fumbles and 21 combined tackles. In the previous three seasons, Quinn had 40 sacks.
Other than his rookie season, 2015 was Pierre-Paul’s worst year in more ways than one. Take away the monster year in 2011 and 2014’s late resurgence in which he posted nine sacks in the last five weeks when the Giants had already been eliminated from the playoffs and what do you have? Yes, Big Blue’s pass rush improved when he returned to the lineup this past season. But, we saw on numerous occasions that clubbed JPP couldn’t bring the opposition down. If he can’t get the grip back in his right hand, he’s worth less than half his market value.
If JPP’s team thinks he can garner $10 million per year and his market value is around $12-$13 million per year, do the Giants offer him one-year, $11 million? I just don’t see that happening.