The New York Giants and index finger-less defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul signed a contract Tuesday, bringing an end to the ordeal that dates back to the 4th of July when JPP really screwed up his hand in a fireworks accident.
The Giants are tired of hearing about it. They want to see some fireworks on the field now. Too soon?
Pierre-Paul was franchise tagged back in March, meaning the Giants were to either sign him for about $14.8 million this season or come to a long-term agreement before the deadline. Well, Pierre-Paul screwed up his hand pretty badly in the accident, and so nothing has really happened between him and the Giants since then.
The exact terms of the new deal are unclear, but it is reported that the majority of the payment will be incentive-based to be determined by how much (or how little) JPP is able to play this season.
“I’m very excited to be back,” said Pierre-Paul after resigning. “I’m getting ready to do what I have to do. I’ve been training down in South Florida with my trainer. Every day, I got up at 7:30 and lifted weights. I’ve been doing what I have to do to stay in football shape.”
Pierre-Paul still insists that his missing limbs won’t impact his play on the field. He joked earlier in the fiasco that he can’t remember “the last time [his] index finger got [him] a sack,” but I have a hard time believing that everything will be the same.
But, we’ll all have to wait and see. There is no way Pierre-Paul will be ready for the Giants matchup with the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, and he has a two-game roster exemption to wait out anyways. Pierre-Paul hopes to make a return in Week 10; however, the Giants have a bye week after that, so don’t be overly surprised if he takes that extra week and suits up for the first time Week 12 against the Washington Redskins.
“I’m just here to help the team out, I’m blessed to play the game, and I’m excited about the opportunity to play again.”
Just please don’t do anything stupid this time, Jason.