Fansided

NFL 2015: Updating the franchise tag players

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

This has been perhaps the most talked-about story since July 4th ended. Unfortunately for Jason Pierre-Paul, he had a fireworks mishap that has resulted in a severe hand injury according to multiple reports, giving him burns on his hands and perhaps nerve damage in a finger. All of this has caused the Giants to pull back their $60 million long-term offer.

Pierre-Paul can still sign the franchise tag, which would guarantee him $14.8 million for 2015. At this point, it would be stunning if the Florida native does not jump on that deal and look to prove himself again this season. While Pierre-Paul was good in 2014 with 12.5 sacks, he had been nothing more than highly mediocre the two prior seasons, combining for 8.5 sacks.

If the South Florida star can make good in 2015 and rack up double-digit sacks, the market will once again be robust for him. However, New York could choose to let him walk should Pierre-Paul regress and play like he did while fighting back problems in 2012 and 2013.

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