New York Giants Attempting To Re-Sign Jason Pierre-Paul, Johnathan Hankins
The New York Giants are reportedly willing to spend big in order to bring defensive linemen Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins back.
The New York Giants invested roughly $200 million in improving the defense during the 2016 offseason. Due in large part to polarizing offseason acquisitions such as Damon Harrison, Janoris Jenkins, and Olivier Vernon, the Giants justified the investment.
Fresh off of ranking No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game, New York appears willing to break the bank to keep the defense together.
Two of New York’s prominent defensive players, Johnathan Hankins and Jason Pierre-Paul, are free agents. Both are expected to command a high base salary and both would test the limits of New York’s salary cap.
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN’s NFL Nation, the Giants are working hard to re-sign both Pierre-Paul and Hankins.
"They’re working hard to keep both defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (franchise tag) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, even though it would be costly."
General manager Jerry Reese appears to be going all-in on the defense for a second consecutive offseason.
Pierre-Paul, 28, had an excellent season for the Giants in 2016. He appeared in 12 games, recording 53 tackles, 7.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, eight passes defended, and one blocked kick.
Beyond the basic numbers, Pierre-Paul was graded as the No. 13 edge defender by Pro Football Focus.
The Giants used the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul, but he’s publicly stated that he won’t accept a one-year deal—and that could price him at $15 million per season.
Hankins, 24, is a young and promising defensive tackle who displayed solid chemistry with his fellow linemen. In 2016, he recorded 43 tackles, 3.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and seven stuffs at the line of scrimmage in 16 games played.
Hankins graded poorly on Pro Football Focus, but New York seems to like his upside and the incremental improvements he’s made.
Must Read: Value free agents the Giants could target
One year after he invested $200 million in building the defense, Jerry Reese could potentially spend another $25 million per season to keep it together.