Jason Pierre-Paul Not Franchise-Tagged by Giants: Latest Details, Comments

The New York Giants allowed the NFL franchise-tag deadline to pass Tuesday without giving the designation to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.   

Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News reported in light of the Giants' decision, they are in prime position to land an ideal free-agent target in Miami Dolphins star Olivier Vernon.

Although Miami placed the transitions tag on Vernon, per Samuel, it's worth $12.7 million, and New York can come over the top with a bigger offer the Dolphins would be required to match.

Jordan Raanan of NJ Advance Media—who reported Monday that New York wanted Pierre-Paul back but only on a "one-year, prove-it deal"—weighed in on the possibility of Vernon coming to the Big Apple:

More than almost anyone else in the NFL, the Giants have the necessary funds to discourage Miami from matching.

Per Spotrac, New York has the fourth-most cap space to work with as free agency approaches. General manager Jerry Reese would do well to invest in upgrading a defense that ranked 30th in points allowed, dead last in yards allowed and 30th in team sacks last season.

Pierre-Paul has undeniable talent but may not match his natural ability in his prime because of a fireworks accident last offseason that led to an amputated right index finger.

The Giants may still get him back and add another pass-rusher like Vernon or someone else. JPP's open-market value is likely to be far lower than the $15.7 million it would have cost to pay him the 2016 franchise tender.

New York has plenty of room to upgrade the roster in other areas and retain Pierre-Paul if he wants to return. Reese and Co. made a savvy move by not overpaying a rather uncertain commodity in Pierre-Paul when they may have to overspend on a player or two on the open market.