Jason Pierre-Paul Reportedly 'Surprised' by Giants Trading Him to Buccaneers
The New York Giants trade of veteran defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul came as a surprise to many, including Pierre-Paul, ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported Thursday.
The Giants announcedĀ they sent Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a third-round draft pick. The two teams also swapped fourth-rounders.
While Pierre-Paul expected to be a member of the Giants in 2018, a trade to Tampa isn't all bad. NFL Network's Kimberly Jones reported the 29-year-old is looking forward to playing in South Florida:
.jpg?w=2560 "Rams Raiders Football")
.jpg?w=2560 "Steelers Saints Football")
Pierre-Paul is a native ofĀ Deerfield Beach, Florida, and he spent one season in college with the South Florida Bulls, who shareĀ Raymond James Stadium with the Buccaneers.
Raanan noted the Giants were partially motivated by finances when they traded Pierre-Paul. While New York will save just $2.5 million against the cap with $15 million in dead money, they're no longer on the hook for the final two years of his contract, which counts forĀ $27 millionĀ against the cap in 2019 and 2020.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, get help for a pass rush that ranked last inĀ sacksĀ (22), as well as adjusted sack rate, perĀ Football Outsiders. Even after theĀ fireworks accidentĀ that caused irreparable damage to his right hand, Pierre-Paul had 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
.jpg?w=2560 "Cowboys Packers Football")
.jpg?w=2560 "šØ Week 8 AP Top 25 Poll")
