Jason Pierre-Paul, Bucs Agree to Contract amid NFL Playoff Race, Latest Bracket

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing in a veteran linebacker amid their playoff push.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bucs are signing Jason Pierre-Paul to their practice squad. Pierre-Paul, 36, hasn't seen NFL action since the 2023 season.

Tampa Bay (7-6) currently sits in first place in the NFC South, even after Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. Here's a look at the updated bracket:

Pierre-Paul, a first-round draft pick in 2010, spent the first eight seasons of his career with the New York Giants. He earned an All-Pro nod in 2011, which was the same season he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl.

He was traded to the Bucs in 2018 and stayed with them through the 2021 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and winning a Super Bowl in 2020.

He spent the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens, which was the last campaign in which he played a significant portion of the year. In 14 games with the Ravens, he logged 26 tackles, three sacks and an interception.

Pierre-Paul started the 2023 season on the New Orleans Saints practice squad but was later signed by the Miami Dolphins. He appeared in just three games total that season, picking up two tackles.

While Pierre-Paul hasn't suited up for an NFL team in two years, he's said on social media that he's stayed in shape and has continued to work out, and he'll now get the chance to show what he's capable of.

Pierre-Paul might not serve much of a role since he'll just be on the practice squad, but the Bucs clearly see him as a player still capable of being in the NFL.

While Tampa Bay is in control of the NFC South right now, the Carolina Panthers are sitting closely behind. The Bucs will need to be at their best to close out the year to avoid losing the division crown.