Free-agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul wants to make his return to the NFL, but he desires to do so with a contender, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Rapoport adds that Pierre-Paul is even willing to sign a practice squad contract.
Pierre-Paul last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, appearing in 14 games and registering 26 tackles, three sacks, an interception and five passes defended.
The 34-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of South Carolina, was originally selected by the New York Giants with the 15th overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He had a solid rookie campaign, finishing with 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks, a couple of forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries and six passes defended. Then, the following year, Pierre-Paul broke out in a big way, racking up 86 tackles, 16.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and seven passes defended en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection. Most importantly, he played a pivotal role in leading the Giants to a Super Bowl title.
Pierre-Paul spent the first eight years of his career in New York, making two trips to the Pro Bowl and logging double-digit sacks twice. Of course, he is also known for his off-the-field accident in 2015, where he sustained a serious hand injury while lighting fireworks. He had to have his right index figure amputated as a result.
Following his tenure with the Giants, Pierre-Paul linked up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent four largely productive seasons between 2018 and 2021. He made a Pro Bowl appearance in 2020 and helped guide the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship that season.
Over the course of his NFL career, Pierre-Paul has amassed a grand total of 94.5 sacks.
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