The New York Giants have no intention of rescinding their franchise tag and allowing Jason Pierre-Paul to explore free agency, according to a report.
Citing sources with knowledge of the situation, Jordan Ranaan of NJ.com notes that the Giants “fully intend” to have Pierre-Paul on their roster for the 2015 season. The team has already reportedly pulled one long-term contract offer off the table, but Pierre-Paul was never going to accept it anyway.
As you likely know, Pierre-Paul chose to have his right index finger amputated after injuring his hand in a fireworks accident last weekend. The 26-year-old also reportedly suffered a broken thumb, which is expected to take at least six weeks to heal.
There have been reports that Pierre-Paul and the Giants could be headed for a tense contract battle, which would not be a surprise. Remember, JPP had chosen not to sign the franchise tender — which is worth $14.8 million for one season — before his fireworks mishap. The star defensive end was seeking a long-term deal, and it seems like he has no intention of allowing the Giants to use the hand injury as leverage.
Pierre-Paul has until July 15 to sign the franchise tender. He can continue to hold out after that, but it would cost him money. The Giants are pretty much in control, and they even have the option of placing JPP on the non-football injury list and not paying him until Week 7.
When you think about it in terms of his contract, it makes sense that Pierre-Paul stonewalled the Giants officials who tried to visit him in the hospital.
