After two decent seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jason Pierre-Paul can still help elevate a team’s pass rush as he hits 2020 NFL free agency.
In 2011, Jason Pierre-Paul (JPP) took the NFL by storm. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency slowed his career trajectory over time. Nevertheless, Pierre-Paul fought against his doubters during his recent two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While in Tampa Bay, Pierre-Paul recorded 21 sacks and 36 quarterback hits in 26 appearances. When healthy, he can still perform at a borderline Pro Bowl level. Teams facing adversity along their defensive lines should consider reaching out to JPP when NFL free agency starts.
Which teams does that include? Let’s took a look at five teams that would make sense as landing spots for Jason Pierre-Paul in 2020 NFL free agency.
5. Carolina Panthers
Whether they admit it or not, Carolina is in full rebuild mode. The team signed head coach Matt Rhule to a seven-year deal because things won’t turn around overnight. Panthers fans are in for a long, painful transition. However, if the Panthers plan on challenging the odds and competing in the NFC South, adding Pierre-Paul isn’t the worst idea.
The Panthers employ a 3-4 defensive front, similar to the scheme used in Tampa Bay. The team also faces heavy losses in free agency. Mario Addison, Vernon Butler, Bruce Irvin and Gerald McCoy all need new contracts. Given Carolina’s current position, it’s unlikely any of them will return in 2020.
This past season, Addison led the Panthers with 9.5 sacks. His 55 career sacks rank fourth in franchise history. Carolina made a wise move when they signed Irvin to a one-year contract last season. The former Seahawk out-produced his $4 million deal, racking up 8.5 sacks and a team-high 16 quarterback hits.
Carolina also brought in McCoy on a one-year deal. The veteran defensive tackle produced five sacks and 13 quarterback hits. His fellow defensive tackle, Butler, set a career-high with six sacks. These four soon-to-be free agents combined for 29 of Carolina’s 53 sacks.
Rookie sensation Brian Burns stands alone as the only returning Panther who produced at least five sacks in 2019. The Florida St. product tallied 7.5 sacks and tied for the team lead with 16 quarterback hits.
With so much sack production walking out the door, the Panthers should consider using some of their $34,537,733 in cap space on Pierre-Paul.