Jason Pierre-Paul Returns to Tampa Bay: Veteran Edge Rusher Signs with Buccaneers Practice Squad
Jason Pierre-Paul is back where he once helped raise a Lombardi Trophy.
After two years away from regular NFL action, the veteran pass rusher has agreed to a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rejoining the team via the practice squad. At 36 years old, Pierre-Paul isn’t just chasing one more shot at the game-he’s stepping back into a locker room where he made a lasting impact.
According to his agents, Pierre-Paul signed with the Bucs following a workout with the team, setting the stage for what could be a late-season return to the field. For a Tampa Bay squad fighting to stay atop the NFC South, the timing couldn’t be more strategic.
A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place
Pierre-Paul’s name still resonates in Tampa. From 2018 to 2021, he was a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense, racking up 33 sacks and 171 total tackles over four seasons. He played a critical role in the team’s Super Bowl LV run, bringing veteran leadership and relentless energy off the edge.
Now, he returns to a team that’s in a tight divisional race. The Bucs sit at 7-6, technically leading the NFC South thanks to a tiebreaker over the Carolina Panthers, who share the same record. With playoff positioning on the line and a defense that could use a spark, bringing back a player who knows the system-and knows how to win-makes a lot of sense.
The Road Back
Pierre-Paul hasn’t played in an NFL game since brief stints with the Dolphins and Saints in 2024, where he appeared in just three games and recorded two tackles. Before that, his last substantial action came with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, when he started 13 of 14 games, notching 3.0 sacks, five passes defended, and 26 total tackles.
While those numbers don’t jump off the page, they speak to a player who still had enough left in the tank to contribute in a rotational role. And that’s likely what Tampa Bay is banking on-veteran depth, situational pass rushing, and a locker room presence that can’t be quantified on a stat sheet.
A Career Worth Remembering
Pierre-Paul’s career has been one of resilience and reinvention. A first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2010, he quickly became a force on one of the league’s most feared defensive lines. He earned three Pro Bowl nods and a First-Team All-Pro selection along the way, not to mention two Super Bowl rings-one with the Giants and one with the Buccaneers.
Even after a devastating hand injury in 2015 that could’ve ended his career, Pierre-Paul adapted and returned to form, proving time and again that his motor and mindset were as valuable as his physical tools.
What This Means for the Bucs
Tampa Bay’s defense has had its ups and downs this season, and with the playoff picture tightening, every edge rusher counts. Pierre-Paul may not be the every-down disruptor he once was, but his experience, football IQ, and familiarity with Todd Bowles’ system could make him a valuable asset down the stretch.
It’s also a move that signals urgency. With the division hanging in the balance and the postseason looming, the Buccaneers are turning to a trusted veteran to help steady the ship.
Whether Pierre-Paul sees the active roster remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Tampa Bay believes he still has something to offer. And if history is any indication, betting on JPP when the stakes are high isn’t a bad idea.