Giants re-sign Pierre-Paul to one year contract

If anyone needs a comeback season, it's Jason Pierre-Paul

The New York Giants have brought back defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul on a one year deal worth up to $10.5 million in incentives. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Arizona Cardinals had offered the 27 year old "much more" money, but Pierre-Paul turned that down. On Instagram, he also announced that he would be returning to Big Blue, and expressed appreciation that the Cardinals had interest. 

Many expected Pierre-Paul to snag a one year deal on the open market to build his value back up after a lost 2015-2016 season. On July 4, 2015, he lost his right index finger due to an unfortunate fireworks accident around his family and friends, thus putting his season in question. He finally returned to the field in November, appearing in eight games with the Giants down the stretch. His numbers during that span were far from the usual, however, as he only had acquired 26 tackles and career-low one sack. 

Pierre-Paul had been a main-stay in the Giants defensive line ever since he was drafted 15th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He had a total of 42 sacks from 2010-2014, including a career high 16.5 sacks in 2011 when the Giants hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

Despite his sharp decline, Pro Football Focus still ranks him at 30 out of 91 qualifying edge rushers. The site was impressed with his pass-rushing ability, and gave him a poor grade against the run game. 

As for my thoughts, I applaud Pierre-Paul for turning down more money from Arizona to return for some unfinished business in the Meadowlands. After the incident last year that almost put his career in jeopardy, he was absolutely slammed by the media and fans for his actions. Also, it did not help that the Giants were in the midst of a horrible defensive season and could have really used him in the first half of the year. 

The Giants defense needs some major work this off-season, evident by these statistics from the 2015-2016 year. 

Yards allowed per game: 420.3 (LAST in NFL) 

Points allowed per game: 27.6 (LAST in NFL)

I like the idea of an incentive-laden deal, since it is far from a guarantee that Pierre-Paul ever returns to even 75% percent of what he used to be. But given these numbers, the Giants will take anything they can get out of the 2-time Pro Bowler.