Report: Jason Pierre-Paul Concerned Giants Could Use NFI List To Retain Him For Another Season

Jason Cole of B/R has spoken to multiple sources close to Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul who believe he will eventually be cleared to rejoin the team close to mid-October.

However, the concern from Pierre-Paul’s camp remains that the Giants could essentially “squat” on his rights for the entire season by placing him on the non-football injury list, which could lead to New York retaining him for the 2016 season on a first-year franchise tender.

There’s still some question as to whether the Giants retaining JPP’s rights for another year by placing him on the NFI is actually possible, according to Cole.

Cole adds that JPP could still request to meet with an independent doctor and receive medical clearance.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported over the weekend that it would not be surprising to see the Giants and JPP ultimately agree to have an independent make the final call regarding him being cleared to play.

The two parties are reportedly divided on the issue, and the Giants really do not have an incentive to clear him until he’s 100 percent healthy.

New York wound up placing JPP on the reserve/franchise player list a few weeks ago. It’s worth mentioning that while he’s on this list, JPP won’t count against the team’s 53-man roster until he’s activated.

Pierre-Paul, 26, played out his five-year, $20.05 million rookie contract that included $11,629,807 million guaranteed. The Giants wound up using their franchise tag on Pierre-Paul back in early March, which will pay him a fully guaranteed salary of $14.813 million for the 2015 season.

However, Pierre-Paul is currently not being paid, and his compensation will need to be addressed before he returns to the field, as the Giants could place him on the non-football injury list if he were to sign his franchise tender.

In 2014, Pierre-Paul recorded 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a recovery over the course of 16 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 7 defensive end in a 4-3 system out of 59 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Pierre-Paul and the Giants as the news is available.