The New York Giants are left scramblin222g after star outside linebacker Brian Burns tore his right ACL in a 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans. With the club suddenly searching for answers, a familiar face appears to be throwing his hat in the ring: Jason Pierre-Paul.
Pierre-Paul took to social media, seemingly expressing his availability and mentioning the Giants in a post on X/Twitter that says, "What's up." The Bat-Signal comes at a time when they can theoretically use him, but let's be real. This ship sailed long ago.
Believe it or not, Pierre-Paul's reign of terror in New York ended roughly a decade ago. So much has changed since then, to say the least, including the fact that he turns 38 on January 1. Father Time takes no prisoners.
Besides, a washed-up veteran here for a fleeting feel-good reunion à la wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. — emphasis on the past tense. His release speaks volumes and should tell the front office to steer clear of Pierre-Paul.
Odell Beckham Jr.'s release proves Giants don't need another nostalgia-fueled veteran reunion
Frankly, this isn't a charity case. Giants head coach John Harbaugh is trying to build a sustainable winning program. At this stage, the idea that Pierre-Paul could provide any meaningful relief for an All-Pro in his prime is borderline laughable. Look no further than Beckham's failed second stint with the squad.
Beckham signed as depth and insurance this offseason while star wideout Malik Nabers recovered from a torn ACL and meniscus and was a non-factor. The former didn't record a catch and had only one target through three contests, and the latter's reps are still being managed.
While Harbaugh has said Beckham "earned his spot" on the roster, the proof is in the pudding. Actions speak louder than words, and when push came to shove, the aging pass-catcher was an afterthought. Why would Pierre-Paul, who's older and hasn't played much football over the past few seasons, yield better results?
It's been quite a while since we've seen Pierre-Paul in the NFL beyond a few (very) brief cameos, let alone as a difference-maker. His last sack came nearly four years ago, and he's logged just 60 defensive snaps since the 2022 campaign. What does adding him to a roster in 2026 do other than generate headlines?
As desperate as the G-Men might be, some things are better left in the past, especially Pierre-Paul. The 2010 first-round pick was a legitimate game-wrecker in his heyday and indispensable to their Super Bowl XLVI victory. New-generation fans may not realize it, but he's a legend around these parts, which is exactly the problem.
Make no mistake, JPP certainly deserves respect. He's 10th all time among Giants in sacks and is one of 11 players with at least 50 (58.5). The three-time Pro Bowler is impressively the only D-lineman in the top 20 in franchise history in pass deflections, tying for fifth with cornerback and teammate Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (47).
Odell Beckham Jr. quietly blazed a trail for Jason Pierre-Paul
Nevertheless, New York was struggling to get to the quarterback this season before Burns went down. Pierre-Paul does little, if anything, to address the problem; though, like Beckham, he notably had a preexisting connection with Harbaugh.
Football (and life) is all about who you know, and Pierre-Paul has previously played for Harbaugh. The two overlapped for one season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 before getting back together in New York. That matters, particularly because Beckham had a similar story before getting another opportunity with the Giants, albeit short-lived.
History doesn't repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme. Harbaugh also took a late-career flier on Beckham in 2023 and has brought several Ravens retreads to Big Blue, for better or worse. There's a theme here, and it gives Pierre-Paul a nonzero chance of returning to East Rutherford.
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