2015 NFL Free Agency: Where Could Jason Pierre-Paul Land?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is brought down by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have about reached their breaking point with Jason Pierre-Paul. Could he test 2015 NFL free agency, and if so where will he land? Through nine games the defensive end who was thought to be the next great Giants pass rusher after Michael Strahan has not lived up to the billing. For the 2014 season he has a modest 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in nine games. His breakout 16.5-sack season in 2011 when the team won the Super Bowl seems like such a long time ago. Pierre-Paul hasn’t even equaled that amount over the past 30 games. It has led to strong rumors that the team may allow the 25-year old defensive end to test the open market next March.
Back surgery and shoulder problems may be big reasons for the regression. The Giants defense is among the world in the league and no pass rush is the primary culprit. They have no intention of overpaying him to stay. If that proves the case, what are some places JPP could land?
Seattle Seahawks
John Schneider and Pete Carroll always seem to have a knack for pulling a rabbit out of their hat on the free agent market. Their Seattle Seahawks defense, while still strong could really use more help at pass rusher. Pierre-Paul is exactly the kind of upside project they would embrace and it stands to reason he would have significantly more success playing in front of the best secondary in football.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lovie Smith will be on the hunt for a pass rusher the moment 2015 NFL free agency opens. His rebuilding Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense really doesn’t have one at the moment. Perhaps playing under less of a disciplinarian as Pierre-Paul has done with Tom Coughlin and joining with the laid back motivator that Smith is could be the thing that takes the pressure off and helps him start to realize his potential. Also keep in mind he went to South Florida in college.
Atlanta Falcons
Taking in New York Giants cast offs has become a tradition of late for the Atlanta Falcons who brought in veteran Osi Umenyiora. Playing indoors in a loud stadium and complimenting a strong offense is something every pass rusher dreams of. Jason Pierre-Paul would be able to get out of the pressure cooker and settle into a much-less media frenzied atmosphere in Georgia.