For all but four teams in the NFL, the offseason is in full swing. That means players, coaches and general managers all across the league are preparing to make some difficult decisions. One such example is the looming free agency of New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
It's possible that no other player in the league did more for his next contract down the stretch than JPP. Over New York's last six games, Pierre-Paul recorded nine sacks, five QB hits and 15 QB hurries. His pass-rushing abilities, coupled with his stout run defense, earned him a No. 6 overall ranking among 4-3 defensive ends from Pro Football Focus.
While JPP answered a lot of his questions with his play, his future with the team is still very uncertain. For what it's worth, Giants owner John Mara seems to be confident that the 2010 first-round pick will be back in the Big Apple next year.
"We'd certainly like to have him back, but it has to be at the right price," Mara said in December. "I'd be very surprised if he's not a Giant..."
It's that right price comment that has fans worried. Pierre-Paul has made it known that he will not give the Giants a hometown discount. It's possible that he will be looking for a deal in the range of five years for $80 million.
But is JPP worth that?
He followed up his breakout 2011 season with just 8.5 sacks over his next 27 games. While he finished 2014 with 77 total tackles, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, it's unclear how consistent he can be going forward. At just 26-years-old, he still has time to develop into one of the premiere edge rushers in the league. But back injuries and concerns over his motor have cropped up in recent seasons.
Pierre-Paul doesn't seem to be too determined to continue his career in New York.
"Hey, if I'm here, I'm here, if I'm not, I'm not," he said earlier this season.
While New York could potentially have as much as $30 million in cap space, it may not be wise to hand out a mega deal to Pierre-Paul with so many other holes on the roster. Consecutive losing seasons hasn't inspired a lot of incentive in New York to take care of its own.
We'll keep you posted as the offseason continues to unfold.
