Tampa continued it’s busy week by trading for a former two-time Pro Bowler.
The Bucs sent shock waves throughout the NFL universe this morning by trading for Jason Pierre-Paul. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news just after 10am Eastern Time on Thursday:
Another blockbuster trade: Giants trading DE Jason Pierre-Paul and a 2018 fourth-round pick to Buccaneers for a 2018 third-round pick and a fourth-round pick, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2018
Return of a Bull
Jason Pierre-Paul will be returning to Raymond James Stadium this fall, the site of where he played his college ball while attending the University of South Florida. The trade that brought Pierre-Paul back to the Sunshine State essentially shakes out this way: Tampa and the Giants are swapping 3rd rounders in the 2018 draft, while the Bucs get JPP and the Giants receive a 4th rounder in this years draft.
Tampa will also now take on JPP’s cap hit of $17.5 million. JPP could become a free agent after the 2020 season.
Bucs continue to rebuild the defense
Last weekend the Buccaneers signed Defensive End Vinny Curry to a 3-year $23 million dollar contract. They will now pair Vinny Curry with JPP. Last season the Bucs had a total of 22 sacks for the season. Curry and Pierre-Paul combined for a total of 11 sacks in 2017-2018.
Prior to these moves being made, fans were calling for General Manager Jason Licht’s job. Fans might be breathing a little easier today as he has no doubt rebuilt the defense on the fly. All that has to be done now is nail the draft and this defense could easily go from one of the worst in the league to one of the best in the league. We already know that this is a year-to-year league and the way that things are shaking up, Tampa could very well be on their way to the top of the very competitive NFC South next season.
It should also be noted that Pierre-Paul will return to MetLife Stadium this upcoming season, so you know he’ll have a little extra motivation going into that game. It’s going to a fun season, Bucs fans.
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