Jason Pierre-Paul signs with Buccaneers practice squad to rejuvenate his NFL journey
Jason Pierre-Paul is attempting to spark a renewed NFL career. Two years after his last appearance in a regular-season game, the former Giants defensive end agreed to join the Buccaneers' practice squad this week, as reported by multiple outlets.
At 36 years old, Pierre-Paul has been vocal about his intense training regimen on social media. His most recent NFL stints were with the Dolphins and Saints in 2023, though he appeared in only three games total. His most complete season since 2022 came with the Ravens, when he played 14 games.
A former first-round pick by the Giants in 2010, Pierre-Paul is no stranger to Tampa Bay, having spent four seasons with the Buccaneers from 2018 through 2021. That stay included his 2020 Pro Bowl selection and a second Super Bowl championship in the same year. Tampa Bay will evaluate whether he can contribute this season.
If he signs with the Buccaneers, Pierre-Paul would be joining a team led by Baker Mayfield that is aiming to win the NFC South for a fifth consecutive year. The Buccaneers are currently tied with the Panthers, who sit at 7-6 after a 24-20 loss to the Saints last week. Tampa Bay is slated to host the Falcons on Sunday. While their defense stands among the league’s better units with a turnover differential of plus nine, the unit is allowing an average of 25 points per game, ranking 10th-worst in the league.
Pierre-Paul began his NFL career with the Giants, where he spent eight seasons and delivered a standout 2011 campaign, recording 16 1/2 sacks and helping New York upset New England in the Super Bowl. He earned First Team All-Pro honors that year.
Off the field, his career was briefly interrupted in the summer of 2015 due to a fireworks accident that resulted in the amputation of his right index finger; he nonetheless remained a disruptive presence on defense. He was traded to Tampa Bay in March 2018.
Career accolades at a glance: 94.5 career sacks, 21 forced fumbles, and five interceptions.
