Jason Pierre-Paul has left the New York Giants without signing his franchise tender, and all indications are that the veteran defensive end is not that close to returning to the field.
On Monday, Pierre-Paul met with the Giants for a medical evaluation to see how he is doing in the wake of a fireworks accident that cost him a finger. While it seems like JPP’s side has been leaking information about how “ready” the 26-year-old is to play, Tom Coughlin said Wednesday that Pierre-Paul is not fully healed.
“I think the fact he came in the way he did … Mr. Personality was there and he felt good about himself and where he’s been,” the Giants coach said, via Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports. “He’s worked pretty hard. We actually saw a tape that showed him working. He’s done a lot of conditioning-type work. Obviously it would be great if he’s all healed and ready to go, but he’s not.”
Shortly after Coughlin made his comments, Pierre-Paul took to social media to vow to get healthy and return as quickly as possible.
My grind don't stop! I will get better and get healthy 2 help my brothers out this year. #90PC PS. Don't be surprise when I return BESTING!
— iamjasonpierrepaul (@UDWJPP) September 9, 2015
The issue at this point mostly has to do with Pierre-Paul’s contract. If he signs the $14.8 million franchise tender and fails a physical, the Giants can place him on the non-football injury list and avoid paying him through Week 6. We have known for a while that JPP does not want to sign the tender until he knows he can avoid NFI.
The Giants could always rescind the franchise tender, but that would mean Pierre-Paul becomes a free agent. They still need him to be a part of their defensive front, assuming he is effective with only nine fingers.
Until Pierre-Paul is deemed ready to play, contract talks will continue to break down like they did on Tuesday.
