Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Remaking the defensive line

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (acquired from New York Giants)

He was a big component on that last New York Giants’ team to win a Super Bowl. Back in 2010, Big Blue made defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul the 15th overall pick in the April’s NFL Draft. One year later, the talented defender racked up a career-best 16.5 sacks and was part of a pass rush that totaled xx quarterback traps in 2011. That season, a 9-7 Giants’ squad would go on to defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVII at Indianapolis.

Over the next few seasons, Pierre-Paul emerged as one of the top pass-rushing threats in the NFL. From 2011-14, he played in a total of 59 games and amassed 37.5 sacks. But in the summer of 2015, he suffered an accident while using fireworks and suffered a severe hand injury (via TIME). He would be limited to only eight contests, totaling 26 tackles and a single sack.

The eight-year pro rebounded over the past two seasons, racking up 15.5 QB traps in 28 regular-season appearances. But he now belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Thursday (courtesy of ESPN), he was acquired by the team (along with a fourth-round pick next month) for third- and fourth-round choice in this year’s draft.

“Jason is an elite-level edge rusher who will make an immediate impact on our defense,” explained Buccaneers’ GM Jason Licht (courtesy of a team statement via NFL.com). “We are adding a two-time Pro Bowler who is passionate about the game and has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends. Jason is an incredibly hard-working playmaker on the defensive front with a unique skill set that allows him to stay on the field in both rushing and passing situations.”

Game on!