What’s Next for the Giants After the Jason-Pierre Paul Trade?
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
In one of the more shocking moves this off-season, the New York Giants have traded star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
JPP played in all 16 games for the Giants last season, recording 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 passes defended, and 48 tackles. While he isn’t the double-digit sack machine he was a few seasons ago, he is still a very good pass rusher. Tampa Bay ranked dead last in the league last year in total sacks with 22, so adding Pierre-Paul will definitely help bolster that weak pass-rush.
I said that this move was shocking because there weren’t any reports leading up to it, but I can’t say I’m too surprised that New York did this. The Giants will pick up an extra 3rd round pick in this year’s draft as well as swap 4th round picks with Tampa in this deal. Trading JPP is a rebuild move, as they are looking to get as much young talent in their system as possible to help re-shape the roster. Getting rid star veterans like Pierre-Paul is always hard, but it’s necessary if you’re trying to launch a rebuild.
So now that the Giants are without a defensive end, there’s a clear-cut favorite for the second overall pick in this year’s draft; Bradley Chubb. Here are some highlights if you’re unfamiliar with him:
Not only are some labeling Chubb as the best player in this year’s draft, but he’s also being ranked above last year’s number one overall pick, Myles Garrett. During his four seasons at NC State, Chubb put up 25 sacks (ten in each of the last two seasons), 54.5 tackles for loss, 6 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. The consensus around the league, from what I’ve seen at least, is that Sam Darnold is going to go number one to Cleveland. So if you’re the Giants sitting at number two, how can you pass on this kid to replace JPP? I don’t think they will.
-Nick Cherico (@NickCherico2)