There will be no “prove it” contract this season. The New York Giants and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul have worked out a long term deal that will keep JPP in New York for another four seasons at the cots for $62 million with $40 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus.
The #Giants and star pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract, source said. Huge.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2017
Pierre-Paul proved last season that he had completely recovered from nearly blowing off his right hand in a fireworks accident on July 4, 2015. JPP played in 12 games before a groin issue shut him down for the year, picking up 53 tackles, seven sacks, eight passes defended, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.
Pierre-Paul’s contract is the second richest among 4-3 defensive ends, behind only teammate Olivier Vernon’s $17 million a year deal.
“This is where I wanted to be,” Pierre-Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine me being anywhere else. I’m back for four years and I’m ready to get after it. It means a lot to me, because I started here, and obviously I want to finish here,” he continued. “I’ve seen a lot of guys come and go, especially in my (draft) class. I’m the only one left in my class here. It means a lot. We won a Super Bowl here, and I’m looking forward to putting a fifth trophy in the case.”
The new contract wraps up a two year saga for Pierre-Paul, who at one point didn’t even know if he would play again after he nearly lost his hand. Rebuilt and healed, though minus a few fingers, JPP played out a one-year deal last season to show he was completely recovered and could perform at his previous level.
In less exciting news, but Giants news nonetheless, New York will sign Geno Smith to compete to be their backup Monday as long as he can pass a physical. Smith will join quarterback Josh Johnson, who signed a two-year contract. Financial details have not been disclosed.
Giants expected to sign former Jets QB Geno Smith, per @JordanRaanan and me. Smith and Brandon Marshall teammates again.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2017
This will be Johnson’s fourth NFL team since being drafted in the fifth round in the 2008 NFL draft. Last season Johnson was with the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared in two games. but did not record a stat. Johnson has five starts in his career, all losses, and a career passing percentage of 54.2 with 1,042 yards, five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Smith, on the other hand, has started 30 games in his NFL career including one last season before tearing his ACL. Smith is 12-18 with a career completion percentage of 57.9 with 5,962 yards, 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are keeping their current incarnation of the Legion of Boom together. Seattle re-signed DeShawn Shead Friday to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with $1 million guaranteed. Shead has come up through the Seattle system after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Portland State in 2012.
The #Seahawks 1-year deal for CB DeShawn Shead is worth $1.5M, source said, with $1M guaranteed. A show of faith after ACL surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2017
Last season Shead started 15 games, registering 80 tackles, 14 pass defenses, one forced fumble and one interception.
Seattle will also keep free agent tight end Luke Wilson in the fold. Wilson too pocketed a one-year contract with his worth $3 million with incentives. Wilson was a fifth round pick in the 2013 NFL draft and has started 30 games for Seattle in his previous four seasons including six last year.
In 2016 Wilson played in 11 games, caught 15 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs freed up some cap space Friday by putting together new contracts for linebacker Derrick Johnson and fullback Anthony Sherman.
Johnson’s new deal frees up $4.25 million in salary space for this season. Sherman’s new contract gives the Chiefs another $550,00 to spend. Johnson started 13 games for the Chiefs last season before tearing his ACL. At the time, he had 90 tackles, a sack, three pass defenses, an interception and a defensive touchdown.
Source: Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson has taken a pay cut for 2017. He got a $1M signing bonus & $1M base salary, creating ~$4.25M in cap space.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 17, 2017
Sherman started three games for the Chiefs and played in all 16. He never recorded a rush, b ut did catch four passes for 11 yards.
Other NFL Moves
The Indianapolis Colts re-signed Darius Butler to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million. Last season Butler had 33 tackles, seven pass defenses, one forced fumble and three interceptions.
The #Colts just announced the re-signing of Darius Butler. This was very much needed.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 17, 2017
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