Jason Pierre-Paul’s future with the New York Giants remains uncertain after a fireworks accident, even though a person with knowledge of the contract tells The Associated Press the team has not rescinded its $14.8 million franchise tag offer.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the details of Pierre-Paul’s contract situation. The star defensive end was injured in an accident involving fireworks on July 4.
Given the accident, it’s unlikely the Giants will sign Pierre-Paul to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. That would leave accepting the one-year offer as his only option if he wants to play in 2015, unless the Giants withdraw the offer and make him a free agent.
If Pierre-Paul signs the contract before training camp and the Giants determine he can’t play, he could be placed on the non-football injury list and be forced to miss the first six games of the season without pay.
If he waits to prove he’s healthy before signing the contract, Pierre-Paul could avoid landing on the non-football injury list.
Selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Pierre-Paul didn’t start any games his rookie season. He had a breakout year in 2011, posting a career-high 16 1/2 sacks and playing a key role in helping the Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
The 26-year-old Pierre-Paul has 42 career sacks, including 12 1/2 last season.
Another NFL player also was injured in a similar accident last week. The father of Tampa Bay cornerback C.J. Wilson told a Charlotte television station that his son lost two fingers in a July 4 fireworks accident.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
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