NFL Rumors: Giants have applied the franchise tag to DE Jason Pierre-Paul

The New York Giants have decided to place the franchise tag on Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul

The tagging of Jason Pierre-Paul is among the flurry of franchise tags being applied to players nearing the March 1 deadline. This one, however, is very surprising given this will be the second time in a row the Giants have tagged Pierre-Paul and it will pay him upwards of $17 million.

Reportedly, Pierre-Paul was on the record saying that if he was tagged again he would not sign it but he doesn’t necessarily have to. Most likely, the Giants are trying to buy time to work out a long-term deal and won’t end up keeping him on his current salary.

New York was trying to work out a long term deal with Pierre-Paul but it seems that neither side is close enough yet to work out a deal. The Giants have expressed an interest in keeping one of the league’s best defenses together, so this move is geared toward that objective.

Related Story: NFL power rankings: 30 richest active players

However, since they are now paying Pierre-Paul upwards of $17 million, how will the New York pay their other valuable free agents like linebacker Keenan Robinson, and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins? This move may handcuff the Giants in free agency and prevent them from improving their offense further with new players.

However, the 28-year-old defensive end has plenty of gas left in the tank and is likely still in his prime. But this move is less about paying Pierre-Paul what he’s worth, than trying to keep him for the long run. This move helps tell us the Giants are committed to working out a long-term deal with him so he can be with the Giants for years to come.