Giants are gambling big on Jason Pierre-Paul

The New York Giants don’t like paying big bucks to anyone, regardless of whether they’re in-house or street free agents. But the G-Men also seem to realize that the window for another Super Bowl is still slightly open with Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr., which might explain why they decided on Monday to keep their best defensive player despite the price tag associated with the franchise tag.

While the two sides reportedly continue to talk about a long-term contract, there’s a chance the Giants will now be on the hook for $14.8 million for Pierre-Paul’s services in 2015, which is a little scary considering that he had just 8.5 sacks in 27 games as he dealt with back and shoulder injuries in 2012 and 2013. Even when healthy, he was lacking something during what was supposed to be a breakout stretch.

He did get back on track with a productive yet sometimes inconsistent 2014 contract year, finishing with 12.5 sacks. But the Giants have to wonder how long the oft-injured pass-rusher can hold up. Yes, he had 16.5 sacks while helping the Giants win the Super Bowl in an All-Pro 2011 campaign, but he hasn’t been the same since. And he only showed flashes of that previous success when playing for a new contract late last season.

Pierre-Paul recorded nine of his 12.5 sacks during the final five weeks of the season, which is a bit off-putting considering his contract situation.

Plus, the Giants have bigger holes elsewhere and an argument can be made that Pierre-Paul isn’t even the best pass-rusher on the roster.

When it comes to the “pass-rushing productivity” formula from Pro Football Focus, second-year defensive end Damontre Moore and former Broncos first-round pick Robert Ayers both had stronger 2014 seasons than Pierre-Paul, and the Giants only have about $12 million in salary cap space.

They’re basically removing themselves from free agency, so JPP better be back.

If indeed he was only so good late last year because he was playing for a big contract, the franchise tag could be a good thing. After all, JPP certainly wouldn’t lose incentive while playing under a one-year tender. But the Giants know they’re taking a chance regardless.

Hopefully this isn’t nostalgia. Yes, Pierre-Paul is a big reason why they won their last odds-defying Super Bowl, but this franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs since and may need to mix things up before it becomes a contender again. They’re rolling the dice that Pierre-Paul will do more good than harm, even at a ridiculous price.

Never count them out, but it’s easy to envision Big Blue regretting this.

 

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

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