The Buccaneers are reaching back into their past to bring in a familiar face with championship pedigree, signing veteran defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to the practice squad on Monday after a workout.
At 36, Pierre-Paul isn’t the same pass-rushing force he was during his prime years, but his return to Tampa Bay is about more than just what he can do on the field-it’s about what he brings to the locker room. He last saw NFL action in 2023 with the Dolphins, but Bucs fans will remember his impact from 2018 to 2021, a stretch that included a Super Bowl LV title and some of the most dominant defensive performances in franchise history.
This move comes at a crucial point in the Bucs' season. Sitting at 7-6 and tied atop the NFC South with the Panthers, Tampa Bay is in the thick of a playoff push.
And while the playoff picture remains cloudy, one thing is clear: experience matters in December football. That’s where Pierre-Paul comes in.
Over the course of his 13-year career, Pierre-Paul has racked up 94.5 sacks and two Super Bowl rings-one with the Giants, where he spent the first eight seasons of his career, and another with the Bucs. He’s been through deep playoff runs, battled through injuries, and found ways to contribute even when the stat sheet didn’t tell the whole story.
For a young Bucs defense that has shown flashes but struggled with consistency, adding a veteran like JPP-even to the practice squad-could be a stabilizing influence. He knows Todd Bowles’ system, understands the culture in Tampa, and won’t be overwhelmed by the moment if called upon in a high-stakes game.
Whether Pierre-Paul gets elevated to the active roster over the final four games remains to be seen. But even if he doesn’t take a snap, his presence alone could be a boost for a team trying to recapture some of the magic from its Super Bowl run just a few seasons ago.
In a tight division race, every edge matters. And the Bucs are hoping Pierre-Paul’s edge-both mental and physical-can make a difference.