Fansided

Jason Pierre-Paul reporting to Giants

By Matt Verderame

Nov 30, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) looks on prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) looks on prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Giants are finally getting defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul back in their building on Monday, with the star reporting to camp, according to ESPN. This has been one heck of an offseason for the former University of South Florida star, who lost a finger in a fireworks incident on July 4.

Next: Ranking The 32 NFL Defenses For 2015

Pierre-Paul was one of five players who was slapped with the franchise tag throughout the National Football League, and was the only one not to receive a multi-year deal. The other four were Stephen Gostkowski, Justin Houston, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas.

The Giants will put Pierre-Paul through a physical, and should he pass, the question then becomes when can he play in a regular-season game? Considering Pierre-Paul has not had one down of practice and is adjusting to having only nine fingers, it stands to reason that the Giants will want him to go through at least a few weeks of adjustment in front of them.

Throughout the summer, Pierre-Paul wanted a long-term deal and was holding out for a massive pay day, turning down a $60 million deal at one point. After he lost his right index finger, the Giants pulled the offer back and are now only offering the one-year franchise tag, something Pierre-Paul has no choice but to play on at this point.

In his career, Pierre-Paul has been inconsistent and occasionally brilliant. After a rookie season in which he only amassed 4.5 sacks, he came alive in 2011 to be a dominant force with 16.5 sacks, leading the Giants to a championship. The following two seasons were filled with injury and disappointment, with Pierre-Paul only amassing a total of 8.5 sacks. With his career looking finished, Pierre-Paul rallied for 12.5 sacks last year, putting him in good position to be paid.

Now, Pierre-Paul has to prove himself all over again.

Home/New York Giants