The New York Giants want to bring defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul back next season, but will not use the franchise tag on the talented pass rusher, according to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole. The Giants defensive lineman only played in eight games last season, after a Fourth of July Fireworks accident left his right hand mangled.
The Giants reportedly want to bring Pierre-Paul back, but at the right price as they are not willing to overpay for the pass rusher. There is reportedly a debate within the Giants front office as to what they are willing to offer Pierre-Paul, and different reports have recently surfaced that the Giants "are unlikely to re-sign JPP," according Kristian R. Dyer of USA Today Sports.
Pierre-Paul recorded 26 combined tackles, a sack, and recovered two forced fumbles, and was clearly not as effective with the club around his hand this past season. The Giants defensive end still had the same push against offensive lineman and could create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but failed to wrap up in multiple situations that could have resulted in sacks or tackles for a loss.
The Giants pass rusher has already had one offseason surgery to repair his right hand, and is expected to have at least one more surgery, which he hopes will allow him to play without his club in 2016. It's unknown if the surgeries will help Pierre-Paul on the field, but the Giants front office will have to decide what they are willing to pay to retain him this offseason.
The Giants finished 30th in the league in total team sacks, and are reportedly interested in acquiring Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson this offseason. Giants defensive end Robert Ayers is also scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, and recorded a team-high 9.5 sacks last season. Giants general manager Jerry Reese will have to decide which players they can afford to keep this offseason, as it seems unlikely for the Giants to retain both Pierre-Paul and Ayers and sign or trade for a top tier pass rusher.
