Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul Has Groin Injury
Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is in Philadelphia today to see surgeon/sports hernia specialist William Meyers regarding his groin injury, sources tell Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter links). However, Pierre-Paul’s visit to Meyers doesn’t necessarily mean surgery. 
JPP is in the midst of a great year and losing him in the home stretch of the season would be a tough blow for the 8-4 Giants. The 27-year-old (28 in January), has 53 tackles, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles on the year. According to Pro Football Focus, Pierre-Paul has been the seventh-best edge defender in the NFL this year, putting him ahead of Chandler Jones, Cameron Wake, James Harrison, and high-priced teammate Olivier Vernon. Not long ago, JPP’s future with the Giants was in question after his fireworks accident. Now, he’s a likely candidate for the franchise tag in the offseason.
Next up for the Giants is a Sunday showdown at home against the NFC-leading Cowboys. After that, they close out the year against the Lions, Eagles, and Redskins.
Jason Fitzgerald On Gronk, Romo, Giants, Chiefs
Who will be the top unrestricted free agents this offseason? Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com throws out several names that may not be tagged by their current teams (via Twitter): Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones, Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson, Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short, Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
The cap guru answered a number of additional questions last night on Twitter. We collected some of the highlights, which you can find below…
- Considering his $7MM cap hit and low salary in 2017, Fitzgerald can’t envision the Patriots trading tight end Rob Gronkowski. We learned earlier this week that the 27-year-old needs back surgery, which should keep him out for the rest of the regular season.
- Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram could ask for Ryan Kerrigan-money during free agency, according to Fitzgerald. The Redskins linebacker inked a five-year, $57.5MM extension with the team back in 2015.
- Fitzgerald imagines that Chiefs safety Eric Berry still wants to be among the highest-paid defenders in the league, but he notes that the 27-year-old hasn’t received the buzz that often accompanies top free agents. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald could see the Chiefs spending to retain defensive tackle Dontari Poe, but he’s uncertain about defensive end Jaye Howard‘s future in Kansas City.
- Fitzgerald believes the Cowboys should take whatever they can get for quarterback Tony Romo, with the writer referring to the conditional fourth-round pick sent from the Jets to the Packers in the Brett Favre trade. However, even if the team does trade the veteran signal-caller, Fitzgerald says the team’s cap situation will likely prevent them from being major players in free agency.
- The Giants signed defensive end Olivier Vernon to a five-year, $85MM deal back in March, and Fitzgerald believes teammate Jason Pierre-Paul is likely to make even more money when he reaches free agency this winter. Ultimately, Fitzgerald predicts that the organization will franchise their star defender.
Giants Notes: Graham, McAdoo, Free Agents
During the 2015 offseason, defensive end Brandon Graham received interest from the Giants. As the 28-year-old Eagles lineman prepares to play New York this weekend, he understands that he made the correct decision to stick with the team that drafted him.
“It was real,” Graham said of the Giants interest (via Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com). “I wasn’t that close. I wanted the Eagles here to get it right, as far as keeping me here. Obviously I made the right decision. I couldn’t be cool with myself going somewhere where I play the Eagles twice a year. I would have had to go outside the division.”
Graham ultimately inked a four-year, $26MM contract ($13MM) to remain in Philadelphia, and the former first-rounded has rewarded his team with 25 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles this season.
Let’s take a look at some more notes out of MetLife Stadium…
- The Giants continue to deny rumors that they had discussions with Alabama’s Nick Saban to become their next head coach. George Willis of The New York Post believes we still haven’t seen enough from Ben McAdoo to determine whether he’s the right man for the job. However, if the Giants continue to collect losses, the writer believes the team could revisit their talks with Saban this offseason.
- According to Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, it was Saban’s wife who didn’t want to leave Alabama for the Big Apple. Had his wife decided to make the move to New York, Willis wonders if Saban would currently be coaching the Giants.
- NJ.com previews the Giants players who are playing for a new contract. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul leads the list, and he’s joined by defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, linebacker Keenan Robinson, right guard John Jerry, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, and tight end Larry Donnell.
East Notes: Dolphins, JPP, Redskins
One of the Dolphins‘ higher-end UDFAs, linebacker James Burgess said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald) six teams contacted him after the draft but he chose his hometown franchise, tabbing Miami as a team he could make. Burgess backtracked on a commitment to join the Miami Hurricanes years ago and chose Louisville instead, and draft expert Tony Pauline told Jackson that Burgess should have been drafted and could loom as a potential nickel presence.
“Traditional weakside linebacker. Size is the only limitation. He would be a nickel linebacker. The concern is he’ll get smothered at the point of attack. Could be an eighth linebacker,” Pauline said of Burgess.
Pauline identified UDFA tight end Gabe Hughes as the Fins’ other top candidate to latch onto their 53-man roster despite not hearing his name called in the draft. The Florida Tech tight end caught 32 passes for 566 yards and three touchdowns last season, but he’ll have a bevy of players to compete against to earn a spot behind Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims. As Roster Resource shows, more experienced performers Dominique Jones, Jake Stoneburner and MarQueis Gray — and converted UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte, whom Miami took in the seventh round this year — comprise the tight end competition.
Here’s some more from Miami and the latest coming out of other Eastern locales.
- While most of the Dolphins’ 12 UDFAs are underdogs to make the roster, long snapper Ryan DiSalvo has a chance to unseat longtime long snapper John Denney, Jackson writes. The 37-year-old Denney’s been the Dolphins’ primary deep snapper for the past 11 seasons, but DiSalvo — a rookie out of San Jose State — showed improvement in the latter stages of offseason workouts and would save the Dolphins $650K against the cap if he unseats the veteran.
- ESPN.com’s James Walker categorizes safety Walt Aikens as having a 70% chance to make the Dolphins’ active roster. The third-year player started five games last season, but his inconsistent play helped induce Miami to sign Isa Abdul-Quddus. Walker notes that Aikens’ experience on special teams will give him the better-than-average shot of making the team.
- Jason Pierre-Paul‘s lawsuit against Adam Schefter and ESPN for publishing his medical records that stemmed from the fireworks mishap-induced surgery last year will go to court August 25, but the network not only wants the case dismissed but seeks sanctions against the Giants defensive end for filing the lawsuit, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports. The judge seeing a possible difference between reporting JPP had a finger amputated and displaying to the public improperly disclosed medical records will decide this case, one that could have JPP paying for ESPN’s legal fees if the network prevails, Florio writes.
- In projecting which current Redskins offensive starters will be on the team three years from now, Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com tabs Jordan Reed, Brandon Scherff and Trent Williams as those with the best chance to be blue chip players. As for Kirk Cousins, Tandler does not see Washington’s current franchise-tagged player ascending to that level, with the now-fifth-year quarterback landing on the “solid starter” tier.
- PFR’s resident draft guru, Dave-Te Thomas, takes a look at the Bills’ rookie class in an expansive piece.
NFC East Notes: Cousins, Giants, JPP, Harrison
Washington general manager Scot McCloughan says that quarterback Kirk Cousins will be here “a long time,” as John Keim of ESPN.com writes. Of course, as of today, Cousins is still slated to play under the franchise tag for the 2016 season. For his part, Cousins acknowledged that extension talks will likely heat up as the July 15th deadline approaches, Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com tweets.
Washington can’t afford to lose Cousins and they also can’t really afford to franchise tag him for a second time at ~$24MM in 2017. If the team were to do that, more than 25% of their cap space would be dedicated to Cousins and pricey new addition Josh Norman.
While we wait to see how that plays out, here’s a look at the NFC East:
- The Giants will likely move Jason Pierre-Paul around the defensive line this year, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com writes. JPP, who was re-signed this offseason on a one-year, $10MM+ deal, likely can’t line up as a full-time starter at right defensive end spot due to the state of his right hand. The two-time Pro Bowler could be moved inside to play defensive tackle on passing downs while seeking the bulk of his time at left defensive end. On the opposite bookend, the Giants will trot out free agent acquisition Olivier Vernon.
- More from Graziano, who writes that run-stuffer Damon Harrison will team with Johnathan Hankins on early downs. While Snacks’ $9.5MM/year salary might seem high for a two-down player, the Giants firmly believe that he will benefit them on third downs by lengthening the distance their opponent has to go with his work on first and second downs. Giants opponents converted 47% of third-down opportunities in 2016, the highest figure in the league, so Big Blue needs Harrison to help set the tone.
- Jordan Reed’s contract extension lets other Washington players know that they will get paid if they work hard and produce, Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic writes. Reed, a third-round pick in the 2013 draft, inked a five-year, $48.4MM deal that includes $22MM in guarantees. Reed set career highs in games played (14), receptions (87), receiving yards (952), and touchdowns (11) in 2015. “It’s a great message to send to the rest of the guys, man,” coach Jay Gruden said. “You work hard, you produce, good things will happen, and it did for Jordan. He’s a great kid and obviously we have high aspirations for him.”
Giants GM On Draft, JPP, Cruz, Right Tackle
Moments ago, Giants GM Jerry Reese told reporters that the team had a “medical meeting” Wednesday night to discuss draft prospects with medical concerns, as ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano writes.
“If our doctors say the risk is too high, we won’t take them,” the GM explained.
Here’s more from Reese’s presser:
- Reese said that the Giants are “open to moving up [and] open to moving back” in the NFL Draft, as Paul Schwartz of the New York Post tweets.
- Reese says he expects Jason Pierre-Paul to be able to play better this year as he gets used to condition of his hand, Graziano tweets.
- When asked about the safety position, the GM said, “We’ll see,” (Twitter link via Graziano). The team is hoping a young guy steps up to fill the role.
- When asked about the Giants’ running backs, Reese said, “I think we have five guys that can play in this league,” (Twitter link via Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News). The Giants have Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen, Orleans Darkwa, and Bobby Rainey at running back.
- When asked about free-agent Josh Norman, Reese gave his standard non-answer, as Vacchiano tweets. “We investigate everything,” the GM said.
- When questioned about the Giants’ right tackle situation, Reese said: “Sometimes the answer is on your roster” (link via Vacchiano). The Giants currently have Marshall Newhouse and Bobby Hart at right tackle with Ereck Flowers at left tackle.
- Reese says that anything Victor Cruz gives them is a “bonus,” Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. He added that the plan is to ‘take it easy with him.’
- When asked about how much he pays attention to the ages of players in the draft, Reese said, “We’re conscious of players’ ages, but how many play more than four, five years?” (Twitter link via Graziano).
NFC Contract Details: JPP, McClain, Stanton
Here are the latest updates on many recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the NFC:
NFC East:
- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE (Giants): One year, $10MM. $8.5MM fully guaranteed. $4.25MM signing bonus, $4.25MM base salary. $1.2MM per-game roster bonuses. $300K incentive tied to sacks. $10.5MM max value (Twitter links via Tom Pelissero of USA Today).
- Rolando McClain, LB (Cowboys): One year, $4MM. $1MM available via incentives if McClain plays 75% of defensive snaps (Twitter link via Drew Davidson of the Star Telegram).
NFC South:
- Michael Hoomanawanui, TE (Saints): Three years, $5.2MM. $1.85MM guaranteed. $1MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
- Kyle Wilson, CB (Saints): One year, minimum salary benefit. $80K signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Keith Tandy, S (Buccaneers): Two years, $1.85MM. $250K roster bonus guarantees on fifth day of league year (Twitter link via Wilson).
NFC North:
- Andrew Sendejo, S (Vikings): Four years, $16MM. $950K 2016 base salary (fully guaranteed). Contains option for 2019 (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Lane Taylor, OL (Packers): Two years, $4.15MM. $600K signing bonus. Contains $1MM in playtime and workout incentives (Twitter links via Wilson).
NFC West:
- Ahtyba Rubin, DT (Seahawks): Three years, $12MM. $5.5MM guaranteed. $4.5MM signing bonu (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Drew Stanton, QB (Cardinals): Two years, $6.5MM. $4.5MM guaranteed. $2MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
Giants To Re-Sign Jason Pierre-Paul
3:45pm: It’s a “real” $10MM deal with a chance for JPP to make $10.5MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The Cardinals, he adds, offered “much more.”
1:23pm: Pierre-Paul has confirmed, via Instagram, that he will be returning to the Giants, though he made a note to specifically thank the Cardinals for their interest. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets that a source close to JPP was surprised the defensive end decided to return to New York, which suggests that another team – probably Arizona – made him a more lucrative offer.
12:46pm: It’s a one-year deal worth up to $10.5MM, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). He adds that the Cardinals made a late push for Pierre-Paul’s services.
12:39pm: The Giants are expected to keep Jason Pierre-Paul, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). JPP will sign a one-year deal with Big Blue, per Rapoport, and he apparently turned down more money elsewhere to stay put in the Meadowlands. 
Other possible suitors were reportedly “hesitant” to offer Pierre-Paul a long-term pact, giving the Giants some optimism that they could get a deal done. They’ve done just that today, though the financial terms of the deal are not yet known.
Pierre-Paul has been one of Big Blue’s fiercest defenders since they drafted him 15th overall in 2010. The 27-year-old end totaled 42 sacks from 2010-14, including a career-high 16.5 during the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2011. However, his career took a terrible turn last summer when he lost his right index finger thanks to a July 4 fireworks accident.
Pierre-Paul returned to the field in November and ended up appearing in eight games, registering 26 tackles and a personal-low one sack. Despite his statistical decline, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) still ranked Pierre-Paul a solid 30th out of 91 qualifying edge rushers. The site remained impressed with his pass-rushing ability, though it gave him a poor grade against the run. He clearly disagrees in regards to the latter, having stated in December that, “I think I play the run better than I play the pass.”
JPP ranked No. 7 on Luke Adams’ list of Top 50 NFL Free Agents.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Free Agent Rumors: RBs, Trevathan, Giants
The Titans reached an agreement on a trade to acquire DeMarco Murray on Monday, and before the week is out, their division rivals in Houston may have a new running back of their own. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Texans are among the teams with “strong interest” in free agent back Lamar Miller. Rapoport adds that the market for the top running backs available, including Miller, Doug Martin, and Chris Ivory, could heat up today.
Here’s more from around the NFL on free agents:
- The Bears and Titans are among the teams that will make it challenging for the Broncos to re-sign free agent linebacker Danny Trevathan, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link). Trevathan previously said that he expected to receive interest from his old head coach John Fox in Chicago.
- The Giants have been making a push in recent days to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, and are continuing to talk to him, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. There is plenty of competition though, per Raanan, who notes that the market has been “aggressive,” with a handful of suitors in play.
- While the Giants remain in the hunt for JPP, it doesn’t appear they’re in the mix for defensive end Mario Williams at this time, per Raanan, who adds that Big Blue has inquired on free agent defensive end William Hayes.
- Free agent wide receiver Travis Benjamin has “piqued the interest” of the Texans and a few other NFL teams, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Extra Points: Megatron, JPP, Cardinals, Wallace
The Lions hope to know whether receiver Calvin Johnson will return or retire by Tuesday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, as his decision will greatly impact how they approach free agency. If Megatron retires or the Lions release him by Wednesday, they’ll open up over $11MM in cap space for 2016. Otherwise, Johnson’s $15.95MM base salary and $24MM-plus cap number will go on the team’s books this year.
Here’s more from around the NFL, including some intriguing notes on pending free agents:
- There’s “optimism” that the Giants will be able to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, reports ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who adds that the club has offered JPP a one-year deal. Other possible suitors are “hesitant” to offer Pierre-Paul a long-term pact, per Graziano. However, there’s an “aggressive” market for his services, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Thus, it’s hard to believe he’d have to settle for a one-year deal.
- If Pierre-Paul leaves New York, he could go to the Cardinals. They’ll pursue JPP, Mario Williams and the previously reported William Hayes, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link).
- The Vikings reportedly wanted to bring back wideout Mike Wallace at a reduced cost as of last Friday, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports “would be shocked” if he isn’t released by Wednesday (Twitter link). The Vikings will save $11MM if they part with Wallace.
- The Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick are the best fit for one another, opines the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta, who expects the two to renew their relationship. Mehta lists a two-year deal with $14MM in guarantees as the floor for Fitzpatrick’s next contract, adding that the ceiling on guarantees could stretch to $18MM.
- The Raiders are looking for a replacement for inside linebacker Curtis Lofton, according to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link). Last month, $3.5MM of Lofton’s $5.35MM base salary for 2016 became guaranteed. The Raiders had to pay it because Lofton had an arm injury at the time, per Tafur, and a team isn’t allowed to release a player if he’s hurt when he’s due guaranteed money.
- Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette examines the Steelers’ need for a cornerback, suggesting this year could be the first time since 1997 that the team uses a first-round pick on a corner.
Zach Links contributed to this post.