Big news for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans! The team is bringing back a familiar face: veteran outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul. After a tryout on Monday, the Buccaneers have decided to sign him to their practice squad. This move could bring some much-needed experience to the team, but will it pay off? Let's dive in.
Jenna Laine, ESPN's Buccaneers reporter since 2016 (and covering the team since 2009!), broke the story. She's also a former cheerleader at the University of South Florida, so she knows a thing or two about building a strong team.
Pierre-Paul, now 36 years old, was a key player on the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV-winning team back in 2020. His last NFL action was in 2023, playing in three games – one for the New Orleans Saints and two for the Miami Dolphins. Before that, he had a full season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, where he recorded 3 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss.
The Buccaneers are currently sitting at 13th in the league with 32 sacks this season. However, they're facing a potential problem. In their recent loss to the Saints, outside linebacker Haason Reddick suffered an ankle injury and didn't return. Reddick also missed Monday's walk-through, raising concerns for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.
During his four seasons with the Buccaneers (2018-2021), Pierre-Paul made a significant impact. He racked up 33 sacks, tying for 10th in franchise history, along with 35 tackles for a loss and 55 quarterback hits. He also forced eight fumbles and recovered three. The Buccaneers ultimately let his contract expire after the 2021 season, in which he recorded 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Pierre-Paul's career is a testament to his resilience. Drafted 15th overall by the New York Giants in 2010, he won a Super Bowl with them in 2012. He overcame a devastating fireworks accident in 2015, which resulted in the amputation of his right index finger and significant damage to other fingers. He also recovered from fractured vertebrae in his neck after a motor vehicle accident in 2019.
Over his career, Pierre-Paul has recorded an impressive 94.5 sacks.
But here's where it gets controversial... Can a player in his mid-30s, coming off limited playing time, still make a significant impact?
What do you think? Will Jason Pierre-Paul be a valuable addition to the Buccaneers, or is this a move that's past its prime? Share your thoughts in the comments!
