The NY Giants did not see Jason Pierre-Paul after trying to visit the defensive end in Florida following a fireworks injury, according to a media report and this could impact his contract negotiations and the status of JPP in training camp, as New York is not likely signing Pierre-Paul to a long term deal after this incident.
The news about Pierre-Paul and his injury broke over the weekend and the Giants reportedly flew officials down to Florida to meet with JPP and asses his injuries. According to Adam Schefter at ESPN.com, Pierre-Paul suffered injuries to both of his hands, but they are not considered to be "career threatening" at this time. JPP reportedly suffered serious burns and injured some of his fingers.
According to Justin Tasch of the New York Daily News, the Giants sent officials to visit JPP, but the report says that the officials "have left Miami without getting a chance to see Pierre-Paul." What that means for JPP and his future in New York is unclear, but it's very likely that he will not be signing a long term deal. That prospect was unlikely even before this accident, as the two sides did not appear close to getting a long term contract agreed on.
UPDATE from Pro Football Talk: "Pierre-Paul refused to see Ronnie Barnes, Jessie Armstead" UPDATE: Jason Pierre-Paul has finger amputated after fireworks accident, per report
The two sides have until July 15 to work out a long term deal, as the Giants used the franchise tag on JPP this offseason. The tag offers a one-year tender at $14.8 million and that could be Pierre-Paul's salary if he signs the deal. The team could pull the offers, but that is unlikely, according to Pro Football Talk. The injuries appear to be serious and that could take Pierre-Paul out of training camp and PFT reports he could miss the start of the season as well.
Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported that the Giants took a "$60 million contract offer to Pierre-Paul" off the table after the incident and Ian Rapoport added that the team is unlikely to sign him long term. The team now could be without Pierre-Paul to start the season, as the Washington Post reports that JPP could be placed on the non-football injury list to start the season. The move could keep JPP out for six games and it could force him to miss getting paid for those weeks if he misses time.
Giants running back Rashad Jennings spoke with NJ.com and said that no one on the team is "mad at all" at Pierre-Paul. Jennings also said that Pierre-Paul is ""feeling good" and that he is "handling it well. JPP comes in at a tough time, as he is 26 years old and had the chance to sign a big contract. Pierre-Paul had 12.5 sacks last season after two bad years for the Giants and he was looking to get paid like Cameron Jordan and Robert Quinn at his position.
The Giants need JPP on the defensive line, as they have Robert Ayers and George Selvie as the main options to come in along with Damontre Moore. Pierre-Paul has been up and down in his career, but his talent is there and the team is hoping that injury does not keep him out for too much of the season.
Check here for more on JPP's injury and the possibility of him missing games.
