The New York Giants decided to move on from former Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul on Thursday morning after trading him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a pair of mid-round selections in this year's draft, ending his eight-year tenure with the team.
Pierre-Paul is now set to enter the next chapter of his career playing for another organization for the first time. With that in mind, the 29-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to voice his appreciation for the Giants and their fans.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgovOseBXEL/?taken-by=iamjasonpierrepaul
Pierre-Paul was selected by the Giants with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, developing into a highly dependable player on the defensive line. He earned a pair of Pro Bowl selections, a First-Team All-Pro nod, and helped the team win Super Bowl XLVI over the New England Patriots. During this span, he also racked up 58.0 sacks, which placed him seventh all-time in franchise history.
The team had shown a tremendous amount of faith in his ability on the field by retaining him through the entire Fourth of July firework incident that severely injured his right hand and eventually led to the amputation of his right index finger. In fact, the Giants signed him to a four-year, $62 million deal with $40 million guaranteed just over a year ago.
The decision to move on from JPP was likely made to help the rebuilding process for the franchise next season, as they add a few more draft picks to acquire additional talent in the upcoming draft.
Pierre-Paul now joins the Buccaneers, where he will be one of the primary pieces on the defensive side of the ball as possibly their best pass rusher. Tampa Bay struggled this past season in that regard, recording just 22 total sacks with All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy being responsible for a team-leading 6.0 sacks.
JPP also has a chance to be a major part of the franchise's long-term future, as he is set to enter the second year of his four-year deal. This next chapter of his career could see him re-emerge as one of the top talents at his position.
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