The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are calling in a familiar face as they look to make a late-season push-and it’s a name that still carries weight in Tampa.
Jason Pierre-Paul, the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, is signing with the Bucs’ practice squad, his agents confirmed Monday. At 36, Pierre-Paul isn’t the same explosive force he was in his prime, but his return brings more than just veteran depth. It brings leadership, experience, and a spark to a defense that’s been searching for answers in recent weeks.
Pierre-Paul last suited up in 2023, making brief stops with the Saints and Dolphins. But it’s his time in Tampa that fans remember most. From 2018 to 2021, he was a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ front seven, and his 2020 campaign was especially memorable-racking up 9.5 sacks, earning a Pro Bowl nod, and playing a key role in Tampa Bay’s run to a Super Bowl title.
Now, with the Bucs sitting at 7-6 after a tough 24-20 loss to New Orleans, the timing of this move is no coincidence. The team has slid to a 1-4 record since their Week 9 bye, and the defense has struggled to hold the line, allowing nearly 30 points per game over that stretch. That’s not the formula for staying atop the NFC South-even in a division that’s still wide open.
Tampa Bay is now tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place, and with just a few weeks left in the regular season, every edge matters. Pierre-Paul might not be logging 50 snaps a game, but don’t underestimate the impact he can have-whether it’s mentoring younger players, giving the pass rush a situational boost, or simply reminding the locker room what it takes to win in December and beyond.
This isn’t just a nostalgia signing. It’s a calculated move by a team that knows it needs to tighten up defensively if it wants to stay in the playoff picture. Pierre-Paul’s return may not solve everything, but for a defense that’s been leaking points, his presence could be a timely jolt.
The Bucs are betting that a familiar face can help steady the ship. And if history is any indication, Jason Pierre-Paul still has a few big plays left in him.