All right then, Giants co-owner John Mara says he’s been informed that Jason Pierre-Paul is planning to finally come out of hiding sometime this coming week and actually show his face — and mangled right hand — at the team facility. When that happens, one big step in JPP’s comeback will be answered: Yes, he is alive.
But is he well?
Several key questions remain for the Giants as they hope to repair the damage caused by a foolhardy and unfortunate summertime accident that robbed the team of its most accomplished defensive player. Here are the most pressing questions that need answers as soon as possible:
- What’s the deal with his hand? All the Giants are sure of — and this confirmation came to them only recently — is Pierre-Paul had to have his right index finger amputated in the aftermath of the July 4th fireworks accident that put all this ugliness in motion. For two months, JPP has refused to allow the Giants and their team of medical experts to take a look at his hand, preferring to attend to his surgery, rehab and rehabilitation in South Florida, by himself. A thorough examination is the first order of business, and only then will the Giants have any clarity as to how close or far their pass-rushing defensive end is from stepping onto the field. Remember, the amputated finger is only one aspect of the damage inflicted that day. Pierre-Paul also suffered a fractured right thumb and severe burns and who knows what else.
- What’s the deal with his head? It is no secret JPP was not happy the Giants placed the franchise tag on him in the first place and were not coming up with a long-term contract extension to his financial liking. JPP’s plan was to hold off from signing the franchise tender that would pay him $14.8 million this season as long as possible. He blew off the mandatory three-day minicamp in June and likely was set to reluctantly sign the tender in time to report to training camp. And then boom, that plan went awry. Gauging JPP’s mental state is essential here, too.
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Pierre-PaulGetty Images What’s the deal with his contract? The reason Pierre-Paul stayed away all this time is that from the moment those fireworks nearly blew his right hand off, he lost every shred of leverage he once held. He feared — correctly — that the Giants would place him on the non-football injury list and he would be docked big money — $870,000 per game — that he missed because of his hand. Just because he returns this week does not mean he gets to say, “OK, I’m here, where do I sign and start collecting my $14.8 million?’’ What portion of that money he will receive must be negotiated, depending on how much time the Giants determine JPP will miss. Does he go on the NFI list and miss the first six weeks and lose more than $2.6 million? Let the haggling begin.
- What’s the deal with his once-feared pass-rush skills? This is a guy who — presumably — has been doing some sort of training in Florida as he allowed his hand to heal. But there is no way he’s maintained any sort of legitimate weight-training. Does anyone actually believe JPP has even seen a pair of shoulder pads this summer, much less strapped them on? The season starts Sept. 13, and we all know Pierre-Paul won’t be on the field, helping the Giants against the Cowboys. He has to cram an offseason full of workouts into a few weeks. Good luck with that.
- What’s the deal with where he fits in? Look, it’s not as if the Giants have moved on from JPP. They need him, desperately, as their defensive line didn’t do much of anything to impress anyone in the preseason. There’s a starting job awaiting him. But this is a brand-new defense designed by new/returning coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, a defense Pierre-Paul has never played in, has never practiced in, a defense he does not know. He has to get up to speed on all of the mental work — a few texts with position coach Robert Nunn won’t help much now. Oh, and then the Giants and the world will learn what no one really knows: Can a nine-fingered defensive end, needing full use of his hands to engage with a massive offensive tackle, make it in the NFL?
