Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who was franchise tagged this offseason by the New York Giants but has yet to sign his tender, may have cost himself not only a long-term contract, but also a hefty one-year salary in 2015 to play under the tag. Pierre-Paul severely injured his hand with fireworks on the Fourth of July, and recently had his index finger amputated as a result.
The Giants reportedly withdrew a long-term offer worth $60 million, but the franchise tender is still on the table, and the Giants do not want to move on from their star end.
NJ.com's Jordan Raanan wrote "The Giants fully intend to have Pierre-Paul on their roster for the 2015 season," and he will likely play on the $14.8 million tag. Any chance of a long-term deal being reached this offseason is likely shot though, and some outsiders are doubting he will be the same player with a missing finger.
Former NFL player Brian Baldinger said "This story is absolutely tragic.
"On every single level. I knew it was bad, but when you're amputating the index finger on your right hand as a right defensive end ... First of all, I don't know what the Giants are going to do. They're certainly not going to give him $15 million to play this year under the franchise tag.
"For every defensive end and outside linebacker, the whole game is your hands. It's about grabbing and controlling people with your hands. It's about engaging and disengaging. You're never going to have the hand strength you had before."
Pierre-Paul's career with the Giants has been full of highs and lows. Last season was an important one for him; he racked up 12.5 sacks, 77 tackles, forced three fumbles and defended six passes.
[NJ.com]
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