The Buccaneers are bringing back a familiar face - and a proven veteran - as they sign Jason Pierre-Paul to their practice squad.
The 36-year-old edge rusher worked out for Tampa Bay earlier in the day, and evidently, he still has enough juice in the tank to earn a spot. While it’s not a full return to the active roster - at least not yet - this move speaks volumes about the Bucs’ current mindset. They’re looking for experience, leadership, and maybe a little pass-rushing help as they push through the final stretch of the season.
Pierre-Paul’s NFL journey is one of resilience and reinvention. A former first-round pick by the Giants back in 2010, he quickly made a name for himself as a game-wrecking force off the edge.
He cashed in on that early success with a four-year, $62 million deal in New York, $40 million of it guaranteed. But as the Giants began to shift directions, they traded JPP to the Buccaneers in 2018 in exchange for third- and fourth-round picks.
That deal turned out to be a win for Tampa Bay.
Pierre-Paul brought immediate impact to the Bucs’ defense, not just as a pass rusher but as a tone-setter. He restructured his contract to stay in Tampa through 2019, then re-upped with a two-year, $27 million extension in 2020 - a move that paid off when he played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl run that season. His ability to get after the quarterback and hold the edge in the run game made him a vital piece of that championship puzzle.
After his contract expired, Pierre-Paul had a brief stint with the Ravens in 2022. In 2023, he bounced between practice squads and active rosters, starting with the Saints before the Dolphins signed him away. He appeared in three games between the two teams last season, registering two tackles.
Now, he’s back in Tampa - the place where he enjoyed a career resurgence and helped bring a Lombardi Trophy back to the Bay. While he’s not the same explosive athlete he was in his prime, Pierre-Paul brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of Todd Bowles’ system, and a reputation as a locker room leader.
It’s unclear what the immediate plan is - whether this is a depth move, a veteran insurance policy, or a potential late-season activation - but one thing’s for sure: the Bucs know what they’re getting in JPP. And if he’s got anything left to give, don’t be surprised if he finds his way back onto the field before the season’s out.