Last week, we asked the question: “Can The Giants Really Re-Sign JPP to a 1-Year ‘Prove It’ Deal?” Today, we got the answer. A day before the NFL Free Agency signing period officially begins, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network insider Ian Rappaport reported the New York Giants are expected to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, which JPP confirmed on Twitter and Instagram. The deal can be worth up to $10.5 million and is loaded with incentives.
With the signing, Dan Graziano believes that Robert Ayers, Jr. will sign elsewhere in free agency.
I feel pretty sure Ayers will sign elsewhere. https://t.co/s4dCUsh2bR
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 8, 2016
However, Jordan Ranaan believes the Giants will seriously pursue Jets defensive tackle Damon Harrison.
Another name that has attracted interest from #Giants is #Jets DT Damon Harrison, per sources. Keep an eye on that. https://t.co/87MtgZsMLL
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 8, 2016
Jordan also reported that JPP turned down more money from the Cardinals.
JPP turned down bigger offer to stay. He thanked Cards for interest. Putting 2+2 together there. #Giants #Cardinals https://t.co/VmX9ODRtOq
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 8, 2016
Citing that JPP stated he had “unfinished business” with the G-Men.
Giants linebacker Devon Kennard was happy to see his teammate back.
Glad to hear he's STILL on our team! #GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/2ROyHLxxnE
— DK (@DevonKennard) March 8, 2016
The thought of JPP with Damon Harrison and Johnathan Hankins along that front line has many fans and blogs alike psyched.
Pierre-Paul is 27 years old and entering his seventh season in the league. The former first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft has started 57 games out of a possible 96, tallying 43 sacks and eight forced fumbles. The extremely athletic D-end has only cracked double digit sacks twice, but after another surgery on his right hand to improve his grip, JPP will look to become next offseason’s top free agent target with a banner year. Pierre-Paul had stated he wanted to be back with Big Blue but wasn’t sure if the fans wanted him back. I think I speak for most fans when I say, yes, we did, but at what price. The $10.5 million ceiling is right around his market value for a one-year deal according to Spotrac, and is above the average annual salary of other players similar in stature and age ($8 million).