JPP Still In Play?
July 15th, 2022
For a couple of reasons, Joe was intrigued when quality veteran edge rusher Justin Houston agreed to re-sign with the Ravens last week for what appears to be about $2.3 million plus incentives.
First, Joe had an eye on Houston as a potential edge rusher for the Bucs to jump into the mix with Shaq Barrett (10 sacks last year), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (four sacks) and Anthony Nelson (five sacks).
Second, the Ravens brought in free agent and Buccaneer of the past four seasons Jason Pierre-Paul for a free agent visit before signing Houston.
JPP didn’t get a deal but he continues to post workout videos on Instagram and it’s getting very obvious that he plans to play this season at 33 years old, and that he believes his surgically-repaired shoulder is ready.
Is JPP better than Cam Gill or any of the other no-name edge rushers/outside linebackers the Bucs might keep on the roster this season? Probably.
And would JPP play for Justin Houston money? That could be unlikely.
JPP has earned over $100 million in his career and may not be willing to put his body on the line for only a few million bucks. Keep in mind JPP banked more than $4 million selling one of his mansions early this year.
Former Bucs scout, Jets linebackers coach and Jets personnnel chief Pat Kirwan was barking on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week about how the Bucs appear to be an edge rusher short when it comes to depth, and Kirwan also was skeptical that Tryon-Shoyinka will take a major step up in his play.
JPP isn’t a long term answer, but in a season that’s all about the now, Joe thinks JPP is worth a long workout at One Buc Palace. What’s the harm in a close look?
July 15th, 2022 at 9:55 am
Kick the tires.
July 15th, 2022 at 9:59 am
In the past, he was a leader of the defense and refused to come out of games even when he was hurt and not playing well. I don’t think he will suddenly be willing to play a support role. I agree if he was willing to play that part he would be better than most.
July 15th, 2022 at 10:00 am
I’m all for it and if he looks good, sign em.
July 15th, 2022 at 10:02 am
Win-Win for both sides if he will take less money and a 2nd seat to let JTS prosper.
July 15th, 2022 at 10:22 am
Bring him in for a look
He knows the D
He is a warrior
He has bank – so maybe 2.5m and a chance for another ring.
July 15th, 2022 at 10:24 am
Bucs still have the tax advantage over most other teams. Start negotiating, his leadership and synergy with Barrett doesn’t hurt.
July 15th, 2022 at 10:42 am
Oh please just stop it already.
July 15th, 2022 at 10:43 am
I don’t think anyone signs him until absolute need or game 1 due to his veteran status/contract guarantees. Could also be him simply not wanting to go through training camp, his body has obvious wear and tear. I think he plays….but not sure Tampa will be it. I think behind the scenes the Bucs as a whole were a bit worn out with JPP. He doesn’t stay healthy and is past proving himself as a player….complete opposite of want Brady aspires for. JPP is a “gamer”….some organizations are okay with laid back vets as long as they perform. Part of performing is staying healthy, JPP can’t perform consistently due to wear and tear.
July 15th, 2022 at 11:01 am
He was the heart and soul of that defense the past few years. JPP could have another good year if his shoulder is ok. I think he has earned a shot
July 15th, 2022 at 11:06 am
A cortisone shot?
July 15th, 2022 at 11:08 am
I was against signing him before as I think he doesn’t have a lot left in the tank…but if he’s not going to ask for a lot and willing to come off the field more I’d have no issues at this point. The depth couldn’t hurt
July 15th, 2022 at 11:19 am
The Bucs should wait until after the Dallas game to sign any veteran players. By then they will know what their most pressing needs are, and they’re not on the hook for the full contract if the player doesn’t work out.
July 15th, 2022 at 11:44 am
Bringing him back certainly can’t hurt.
July 15th, 2022 at 11:49 am
Last 1/3 of the season
Same with
Loveable Lumbering Gronk
Playoff Specialist’s
July 15th, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Suh and JPP, is it that the Bucs DON’T want them back at ALL, or is it a price concern?
July 15th, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Ready for JPP-a-day……(still in play)
July 15th, 2022 at 12:31 pm
My take is the reason why JPP is not signed is that he has not passed a physical anywhere.
His tear in his rotator cuff is worse for his future of playing football then his past nondisplaced fracture in his neck.
Fractures tend to heal very strongly with no future sequela.
Got to think that a tear to his rotator cuff has a great chance of reinjury with any extension.
I believe playing outside LB, DE in the NFL will cause a lot of hyperextension of that rotator cuff.
Can he get through some games because he is used to dealing with pain and playing through it, no doubt. Can he get through 15 or 18 games, I doubt it.
July 15th, 2022 at 12:38 pm
His legs are dead, he’s shot. The league knows it.
July 15th, 2022 at 12:39 pm
JPP can still play with out passing a physical, not a whole season, not half a season, but one game at a time in December and playoffs. As long as he has NFL legs he can still be effective. His competitive spirit is that of a warrior from anytime in the history of MAN!
July 15th, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Bring back JPP and Suh…..as I’ve said all along
July 15th, 2022 at 1:12 pm
I’d like to bring both JPP and Suh back, but I think you at least need to bring 1 of the 2 back.
July 15th, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Do they need a closer look, or does JPP need to come off of unrealistic compensation? He is a freak of nature and a competitor, so I would not bet against him, but his injury history and the nature in which he gets them, its coming back to catch up to him at 33 years of age. Something will give, and I think he will be back.
July 15th, 2022 at 1:13 pm
We don’t need a great TE w/ all of our other weapons. Sign Jared Cook for 3.5 mil and the use the rest of the 12.5 mil in cap space to sign Suh and JPP. Let’s get the band back together! We were only a couple of injuries away from winning it all 2 years in a row. Let’s bring ‘em back… all of them
July 15th, 2022 at 1:28 pm
I’d support bringing JPP back as a rotational player possibly as a pass down specialist, but then you’ve got to wonder how much that’d cut in to a guy like JTS or Anthony Nelsons’ projected workload and potential production. JPP was still beating OTs with one arm, just kind of sucked he & SMB got hurt week one with the latter (understandably) missing the most time between the two. Commended JPP for the effort, but you can see the pain he played with translated in his body language.
July 15th, 2022 at 2:06 pm
I think Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is going to have a breakout year and really could use all the snaps he can earn. With that said, I Wouldn’t mind bringing back JPP as a backup player or in situational role player. As Joe pointed out, seriously doubt JPP would except a few millions to play on his surgically repaired shoulder.
July 15th, 2022 at 2:58 pm
I believe in JTS long term but yes we need the depth
July 15th, 2022 at 3:49 pm
15-20 snaps a game as a pass rush specialist is the role we need filled and he fits perfect
July 15th, 2022 at 4:37 pm
If Licht can swing it, swing it.
But sign Suh first.
July 15th, 2022 at 4:39 pm
If we re-signed JPP he would never come off the field. He is so much better against the run than JTS. And with a new shoulder he’s a better pass rusher too. JTS would back him up and that would stunt his growth but that is ok with me. Let the big dog have the bone
July 15th, 2022 at 4:47 pm
He’s done, im sorry….the youth out there is just too demanding…it sucks but is what it is. I wish him well though, he was a beast for us.
July 15th, 2022 at 6:01 pm
JPP… GET YOUR BAD AZZ BACK IN CHAMPA BAY AND GET ANTHOER RING BRO!!
July 15th, 2022 at 6:28 pm
At this point one must wonder what the Bucs total budget is for the defensive line ‘position group’ as a whole. Clearly it’s a big priority and they have already invested copious amount of cash there. Probably more than ever…
July 15th, 2022 at 6:31 pm
I got the clear impression when he jetted out of Tampa he had no desire to come back.
July 15th, 2022 at 6:32 pm
I definitely would not mind it if he is healthy with something to prove. He is a beast and a warrior whenever he feels like he’s cornered like that. But I honestly think they expect a huge jump from JTS, continued improvement with Anthony Nelson, and they really want to get the rookie in the mix inside and out.
For the right price it seems they have room to put him in the rotation though
July 15th, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Worth a shot for sure, he was pretty good in the run game last year still. It was really just the pass rush that really had fallen off and hard to say how much of that was or wasn’t because of his shoulder injury or just age/including age causing the injury and likelihood of future injuries.
July 15th, 2022 at 7:47 pm
just no. he’s done. dissed the team on his way out. would only be collecting a check and taking time from other who could use the reps.
July 15th, 2022 at 8:37 pm
he plays then others sit the bench rather get Suh and put him in part time as needed
July 15th, 2022 at 9:39 pm
I said this all offseason, but of course you shouldn’t write off JPP, and the Bucs should try to bring him back no matter what. The guy is a locker room leader, and doesn’t need to play full time. He’s not the pass rusher he once was, but he’s still a pretty good run stuffer, and if JTS struggles at all you got nothing behind him on the depth chart.
If they can sign him, maybe by saying you’re only playing a limited number of snaps and don’t have to practice that much, then maybe he’s affordable and will be healthy enough to make a few plays here and there.
July 15th, 2022 at 9:50 pm
The key now is depth, and veteran experience to offseat youth and inexperience with Logan Hall and JTS.
The free agent list is looking ragged and empty. There were great pass rushers just a few weeks back, now all gone. The best edge still unsigned is Carlos Dunlap. I’d love to see him with the Bucs, because I just don’t trust JTS, and even if JTS improves, the pass rush has to be much better, and I want Matt Stafford flattened. Jeremiah Attaochu at OLB would be fun, for that same reason. Ryan Kerrigan would provide solid veteran leadership. JPP is shot, but unfortunately he’s just below these other names, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he came back.
At DT, also an empty cupboard out there. Steelers just signed Ogunjobi, something that I’d have loved to see Bucs do. If they don’t bring Suh back, then there’s Sheldon Richardson, who, like Suh, is past prime but can still play. A cheaper option down the list is Darius Philon, a decent pass rusher.
July 15th, 2022 at 11:04 pm
He deserves a shot with the Bucs. He was injured last year. His heart and drive alone is worth bringing back. Go Bucs!
July 15th, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Suh. JPP. $4 large each. Sign some vet TE for chump change.
Get your pass rush back. With Bowles pass defense, you’re gonna need it.
July 16th, 2022 at 5:43 am
JPP is very injury prone…but he is also a very fast healer. The man’s leadership is top notch. Even when injured, he was present to lead most of the time. A true team spirit.
He deserves better than to be given a $4m contract. But…something with incentives which take possible injuries into concern? I’d support it.
So far as starting? Well, now, name him starter, but rotate him in very little to conserve him until late in the season and playoffs. Get the younger player reps if he deserves them
July 16th, 2022 at 6:50 am
The Bucs gave JPP’s #90 to Hall. Looks like the decision has been made.
July 16th, 2022 at 8:11 am
It was due to being injured but he lost a lot of strength and the surgery I’m sure has made his shoulder vulnerable to future problems. It was frustrating to see him not making any impact on plays. My opinion is for him to retire and enjoy a well deserved rest.
July 16th, 2022 at 8:45 am
Ive posted it quite a few times already.
If he can play, sign JPP.
Betting our pass rush on JTS is a big mistake.
Sign JPP for the passing downs.
July 16th, 2022 at 9:02 am
I don’t care who is in it but I want to see a Buc uniform smothering Stafford and Winston and Prescott and….
I think JTS can get the job done this year. he’ll make the mental connections and go full beast mode with confidence.I don’t have an issue with JPP as a backup/situational player but when a team gives your number to someone else, it’s over. I wouldn’t touch the door knob at one buc palace if that happened to me.
JTS is the future. Time to embrace him.
July 16th, 2022 at 10:14 am
The Bucs know better than anybody that he’s damaged goods, JPP was a great player who’s time has passed.
July 16th, 2022 at 12:10 pm
WE NEED HIM!
July 16th, 2022 at 1:19 pm
I say just sign the man he’s a great leader of n defense.
July 16th, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Pat Kirwin is spot on. We are short an edge rusher and need one Badly. Many in Buc Nation seems to think its not a problem. They will see come game time.
July 16th, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Sign him!