Report: Jason Pierre-Paul reports to Giants, will undergo physical
According to NFL Network, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has reported to the Giants’ facility and believes he’s ready to play. The caveat for Pierre-Paul is whether New York’s team doctors will agree.
Pierre-Paul suffered extensive damage to his right hand in a July 4 fireworks incident, losing his index finger and the tip of his thumb, and did not communicate with New York for weeks after the accident.
He reported to the facility on Sept. 7 and underwent a physical, after which the team sent him back home for more recovery and rehab. Pierre-Paul returned on Monday.
The big question is whether Pierre-Paul can still play at a Pro Bowl level with 8 1/2 fingers. He tweeted last month that he “couldn’t think of the last time” his index finger got him a sack, though it can certainly be argued the digit is key in grasping an opponent’s jersey to pull him down.
The Giants designated Pierre-Paul, 26, as their franchise player this season but he has yet to sign the $15.8 million tender. It must be signed by Nov. 17 or Pierre-Paul cannot play this season; however, if the Giants rescind the tender, Pierre-Paul becomes an unrestricted free agent. But if he does sign, New York could place Pierre-Paul on the non-football injury list, which would cost Pierre-Paul big bucks.
NFLN’s Kimberly Jones tweeted that any deal has to make sense for the Giants:
If Pierre-Paul, who had 12.5 sacks last year, and the Giants can come to an agreement, he could only help a team that took over the lead in the NFC East on Sunday after a 27-20 win over Dallas. After starting the season 0-2, the Giants have gone 4-1 since despite a defense that currently is near the bottom of the league statistically in terms of yards allowed, is seeing quarterbacks complete two-thirds of their pass attempts and has mustered just nine sacks in seven games.
With Cowboys QB Tony Romo out for three more games, the Eagles continuing to struggle and Washington in the midst of another up-and-down season, New York is in position to take control of the division. A stronger defense with the addition of Pierre-Paul would aid that goal.
