Giants Trade Jason Pierre-Paul to Buccaneers
The Giants have traded defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to the Buccaneers, the team announced Thursday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news first.
The Giants are also sending their fourth-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 102) to Tampa. In exchange, New York receives the Bucs’ fourth-rounder (No. 108) and third-round pick (No. 69).
Pierre-Paul, who played college football in Tampa at USF, started all 16 games for the Giants last season and recorded a team-high 8 1/2 sacks. He was also fourth on the team with 48 solo tackles.
Pierre-Paul, 29, is entering the second year of a four-year, $62 million contract.
The Giants had already been rumored to be considering taking NC State pass rusher Bradley Chubb with the second pick in next month’s draft and now have an increased need for players who can pressure the quarterback.
New York is also transitioning to a 3–4 defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher and Pierre-Paul is more suited for a 4–3 scheme.
