After having back surgery in 2013, the man once famous for doing a seemingly unlimited sum of backfields is likely beginning to taste the process of aging. Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is entering a contract year, and he’s got money on his mind.
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“I’m not going to lie. Seeing [Justin] Tuck go, it’s on my mind a little bit,” Pierre-Paul said about his contract situation Thursday morning, via ESPN New York. “But honestly, I think I’m going to be here next year, because I know how I play and what kind of game I bring when I’m on the field. And I’m pretty sure everybody around here knows it too.”
He says that now, which is a relief to Giants fans. The 25-year-old had 16 sacks in the Giants’ 2011 Super Bowl-winning season. He’s a huge part of the Giants defensive scheme. So too was Justin Tuck, however. A lot can change, especially for a player whose production has been as volatile as Tuckers.
Via ESPN New York:
"The physical issues sapped his effectiveness as a pass-rusher, and he collected only two sacks in the Giants’ last 23 games dating back to November 2012. He has more than once called 2013 “a lost season” for himself, because once he started to finally feel better from the back surgery, he hurt his shoulder in the Week 10 victory over the Raiders and only played two more games after that."
Pierre-Paul has all the incentives and his candid words provide insight that he knows how important this season will be.