New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul could be one of the top free agent targets of the Falcons if he’s allowed to enter free agency.
With free agency set to start on March 10, the Giants are trying prevent Pierre-Paul from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
“We are talking, but that’s all that I’m going to say about that,” New York Giants general manager Jerry Reesse said on Saturday. “It’s really not appropriate to talk about where we are with respect to that.”
Pierre-Paul, a two-time Pro Bowler, has 42 sacks over his first five seasons in the league. At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, he has the length, weight and the quick first step that new Falcons coach Dan Quinn covets in his pass rushers.
The Giants may use the non-exclusive franchise tage on Pierre-Paul, according to the New York Post. He could receive $14.6 million under that tag and could receive offers from other teams. However, they would have to sacrifice two first-round picks to sign him.
“We’re just going to keep our options open with respect to that,” Reese said on tagging Pierre-Paul. “I think we are in pretty good health. We’re headed in the right direction with respect to the cap.”
In the past, the Giants have used the franchise tag in order to buy time to work on a long-term contract solution.
“I think we’ll be able to do what we need to do,” Reese said. “I think we’ll have enough money to do what we need to do for the offseason.”
Pierre-Paul was the 15th player taken overall in the 2010 draft.
