Jason Pierre-Paul is reportedly visiting with the New York Giants today so a team doctor can examine his hand. He hopes to sign a new contract with the team and play “ASAP.”
There could be a sticking point to the deal, however, as Kimberly Jones of NFL Network is reporting the Giants would want any contract “to include incentives for playing and production.”
Pierre-Paul and his agent very well might argue that his hand won’t effect his production, therefore he deserves more guaranteed money than the team is willing to extend. Furthermore, such a deal puts even more control of the financial situation on the team, which could hold him out of action perhaps longer than he’d like if each missed game is costing him money.
There is “still a lot of uncertainty” about the entire situation at this point, Bob Glauber of Newsday says, noting he must first be deemed fit to play, then the sticky contract situation must be resolved, and finally noting the potential starting date as hurdles to overcome.
This entire situation has been complicated from the start, and at this point Giants fans should resolve themselves against thinking he’ll be back soon. We’re likely looking at a situation where he comes back just at the tail end of the season.
Perhaps that will work out great for all involved. Lord knows if he is back at top condition, ready to play like the JPP of old in December, then the Giants will be a scary playoff contender.