Jason Pierre-Paul was instrumental in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV win in 2020. After an impressive audition on Monday, he is back with the team. After a brief absence, the veteran pass rusher is back as the Buccaneers signed McLendon to their practice squad.
Pierre-Paul hasn’t played in the NFL since 2023. It’s been a whirlwind career for the three-time Pro Bowler since the New York Giants took him 15th overall in 2010. His leadership and play as a major free agent acquisition helped the Giants win a Super Bowl championship in 2012. During the last season and a half, he’s totalled some gaudy numbers including 94.5 career sacks, eight career forced fumbles and three career fumble recoveries.
In 2023, Pierre-Paul played in three games so far, first with the New Orleans Saints and then with the Miami Dolphins. He finished his last full season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. That season, he had three sacks and seven TFLs. Individually, in his first year with Tampa Bay in 2021, McLendon totaled 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Following that dismal season, the team declined to renew his contract.
Throughout his career, Pierre-Paul has bounced back from life-altering injuries. An accident involving fireworks in 2015 would leave his life forever changed. The accident resulted in the amputation of his right index finger and severe injury to his middle finger and thumb. Even after such a devastating blow, he didn’t miss a beat playing in the league. Pierre-Paul faced another challenge in 2019 when he fractured vertebrae in his neck due to a motor vehicle accident but managed to return to the field.
The Buccaneers’ move to re-sign Pierre-Paul bolsters the Buccaneers defensive front, as they push through their current season. His experience as a former managing director and proven track record make him a great asset to the team as they look forward.
Leave a Reply