The New York Giants and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul are reportedly on the verge of coming to terms on a contract, according to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. Pierre-Paul, injured during an offseason fireworks accident over the Fourth of July weekend, has not played a down for the Giants this year, either during training camp or the regular season. As a result of the offseason accident, Pierre-Paul lost portions of his hand, including one finger and parts of others. Shockingly, with Pierre-Paul's expected return, there is even hope within the Giants facility that Pierre-Paul will be able to return to football shape this week, hit the practice field next week, and suit up against the New England Patriots in Week 10.
While that seems like a longshot, especially considering the severity of his injury, there is clearly increased optimism around the team regarding the man they call JPP.
Per Garafolo, the Giants and Pierre-Paul are working on a contract that will carry only through the end of the current NFL season. The deal will pay JPP less than the $870,000-per-week he was to make under the $14.1 million franchise tag for defensive ends, which the team slapped him with this offseason prior to the injury. The deal, expected by Garafolo's sources to be finalized Tuesday, will include incentives to allow Pierre-Paul to recoup some of that lost money.
Pierre-Paul will not return to practice immediately for the Giants, as the team expects him to go through testing and medical evaluation with the training staff.
