Jason Pierre-Paul's rookie contract will expire and he's slated to hit free agency on March 10. However, the New York Giants can apply the franchise tag and keep him around for at least one more season. The ultimate goal still remains a long-term contract.
"We are convinced that we want [Pierre-Paul] back, without a doubt, and there's been a lot of different discussions, hopefully he's going to remain a Giant," head coach Tom Coughlin said on Thursday at the NFL Combine. "The goal is for him to be a Giant and play as a Giant forever, and retire as a Giant. How that works out is another issue."
Pierre-Paul had a rebound season in 2014 and recorded 12.5 sacks after struggling and battling injuries the previous two years, during which he started only 21 games and had 8.5 sacks. His best campaign came in 2011 when he registered career-highs in tackles (72), sacks (16.5) and passes defended (7). But concerns over his health and consistency have emerged since then and it's unclear if the Giants are willing to make a significant long-term investment.
As of right now it's believed the team will use the franchise tag on him, which will cost them around $15 million against the cap in 2015 and would help buy some time as they decide whether he's worth a long-term deal. Let's not forget that the Giants have contract issues to settle with some free agents (Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown and others) as well as quarterback Eli Manning, who is entering the final year of his deal.
Steve Serby of the New York Post recently suggested the Giants use the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 25-year-old, which means other teams would be able to negotiate with him. In that scenario, the Giants would have the right to match any offer from other teams and if they decide the price is too high, they can let him sign elsewhere and receive two first-round picks as compensation.
It's unknown where Pierre-Paul would fall in terms of the top-paid defensive ends, but just for some perspective here are the contracts of some notable 4-3 defensive ends:
Mario Williams, BUF - six years and $96 million
Charles Johnson, CAR - six years and $76 million
Robert Quinn, STL - four years and $57 million
Chris Long, STL - four years and $48 million
Michael Johnson, TB - five years and $43 million
Everson Griffith, MIN - five years and $42.5 million
Carlos Dunlap, CIN - five years and $39 million
Jared Allen, CHI - four years and $32 million
Michael Bennett, SEA - four years and $28 million
