“There’s Been That Discussion”
May 2nd, 2022
Joe strongly suspects the powers in place at One Buc Palace are considering which is a more valuable roster piece, healthy Jason Pierre-Paul at 33 years old or Ndamukong Suh, 35, who played the fewest snaps of his long career last season.
Friday night, former Bucs general manager Mark Dominik was a SiriusXM NFL Radio draft guru covering the draft live with former Jets personnel chief, coach and Bucs scout Pat Kirwan.
As the Buccaneers’ No. 33 overall pick approached — the first pick of Round 2 — Dominik made it clear that Tampa Bay is considering bringing back Jason Pierre-Paul, who remains a free agent following February shoulder surgery.
“There’s been that discussion,” Dominik said of a potential JPP return. Keep in mind Dominik has more than one of his former front office employees working for GM Jason Licht. So Joe highly doubts Dominik is just throwing nonsense on the airwaves. He is very measured in what he says at all times.
The Bucs drafted defensive lineman Logan Hall with that No. 33 overall pick, a 6-6, 283-pound beast that Licht says impressed the Bucs most with his inside pass rush.
Putting all this together has Joe thinking that the Bucs, knowing they are lacking the salary cap room to bring back JPP and Suh, would prefer a healthy JPP over Suh.
JPP not only could be less expensive, but he also is more of a leadership type and potentially has more of an upside than Suh.
Again, this all comes back to health. But given Licht’s comments about Suh on Friday, and Dominik’s report, Joe’s thinking JPP is the preferred choice at One Buc Palace.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:17 pm
To me, Suh is more valuable at this stage. JPP, by many accounts, is shot… not just the shoulder, but people spoke of how he’s lost explosiveness in his lower body… We didn’t do enough on the DL to afford losing Suh. We just need him to play for a more team-friendly price.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:19 pm
I gotta wonder whether JPP can stay healthy. Been a rough couple yrs for him. Dudes a beast though. I would love to have Suh back. I think that guys a rock. And he’s reliable.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:22 pm
It depends – which player is willing to take less money and accept an incentive laden contract?
It also depends on which player is willing be more of a rotational player and not an every down starter…
My vote is for Suh. Watching JPP loaf around the field last year was painful to watch.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:23 pm
I don’t know. Seems like JPP may be done with us. I’d rather have Suh at this point. I think we’re all sleeping on Cam Gill. That guy seems like an animal from the limited opportunities he’s had, plus there’s the 7th round pick (yes I know), Nelson and hopefully the emergence of JTS9. If we could get both, awesome, but I’m not holding my breath
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Suh over JPP all day long. JPP is shot like someone else said. probably not that motivated either based on jpp’s last post combined with making 4 mill on selling a home in just a few yrs.
Suh. always shows up.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:30 pm
To me, that’s like a pick your poison choice. I’d probably go with Suh, though.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:31 pm
That is tough for anyone outside of the inside loop at OBP, it all comes down to JPP’s body. If it is a choice between the 2 both healthy I’d take JPP every time
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:34 pm
They probably bringin back JPP. Suh is like a hired gun who loves those 1 yr millions of dollars deals. He is going to the highest bidder to end his career.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:38 pm
There’s probably a reason neither has been picked up by another team. Suh probably wants too much money, JPP is too old and banged up. I’m surprised either is being considered by the Bucs. I thought we needed the CAP space to bring back Gronk and sign our rookies and UDFA.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:41 pm
Perhaps the performance of Logan Hall during the OTAs will help guide Licht and Bowles. If Hall is viewed as too raw or not yet having the strength and ballast to handle being a DE, then I see Suh getting an offer.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:43 pm
Bring back JPP but use him primarily as a mentor for J.T.S
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:44 pm
… and this depends on the Bucs restructuring another contract or two. Without kicking the salary cap can down the road, don’t see much money left after paying Gronk and the draftees.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:47 pm
perhaps we can sign both dump Barner, Darden and multiple other backups that are not never gonna see the light of on the football field, replace them with very cheap udfa’s consider paying both JPP and Suh and Gronk JPP has to take a pay cut and he has to agree to sit bench if not productive and allow JTS and Nelson Suh–no change Gronk–no change
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:47 pm
I have been posting that the end of JPP is greatly exaggerated……I suspect he’ll be more financially flexible than Suh.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Suh all day
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Suh is a better player at this stage of his career than JPP, who is shot and can’t stay healthy. He also sold his Florida residence last week – I don’t think JPP will be back at any price.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:48 pm
JPP is done. It’s a minor miracle he’s been able to play with one hand, as well as he has, for as long as he has. If it’s a decision, Suh wins hands down. JPPs lack of production has much more to do with his legs than his shoulder. In a 3-4 defense, Suh is much more valuable, because he eats blocks. I wouldn’t touch JPP with a ten foot pole. The caveat would be if he signed a vet minimum. I still doubt he could even make the team.
May 2nd, 2022 at 3:52 pm
IF HEALTHY I Would absolutely take him. It’s a big IF. Suh was barely noticeable and he didn’t have the excuse of a bum shoulder that needed surgery. He’s been great but they have Nacho, Gholston, and the rookie.
I assumed it would be SUH returning but if they feel JPP’s is healthy, let’s do it.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Sign JPP even if it just to mentor JTS.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:00 pm
If JPP is healthy. Damn straight.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Dumbernik. The moron has nothing to say that I’m interested in.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:06 pm
Suh every day of the week. He’s a beast and healthy.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Feel like jpp has just too many injuries over the years that are starting to get worse with age. Suh would have to be the right price. Wonder if there will be some cuts now after the draft.. not expecting any superstars…
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Suh…100% Suh….To be clear I am not a JPP hater, on the contrary, I think it was one of the best trades ever on Bucs history, but he is banged up!!!!
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:13 pm
JPP and Suh were amazing but they’re both old and playing physically demanding positions. It’s time for young guns to take the top spots (JTS, Nacho, Nelson, Hall) and fill in depth with 2nd tier FA.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:26 pm
I am afraid SlyPirate is correct!
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:26 pm
Pretty sure Suh and JPP could simply call our bluff by communicating with one another. If JPP tells Suh he’s not coming back, then Suh knows to stand firm. There’s rumors JPP wasn’t as dedicated behind the scenes as he portrays in the games. He’s a “gamer” which doesn’t exactly vibe with Brady’s meticulous approach. He’s also known to free lance which irks the coaches. The staff will tolerate a lot until you don’t produce….which was our situation last year when he was injured all year.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Saints D just got even better. Sheesh.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:31 pm
@lambchop, Agree that they got better on D, but they have a turn over machine QB that has knee issues…..
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:34 pm
SkyPirate is right. It’s time to get younger.
Too few snaps for the money.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:40 pm
I wish JPP was still serviceable, but he’s not. Suh, on the other hand, is more than serviceable so he is the target, in my opinion.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:50 pm
JPP was useless last year. Gronk missed a lot of time; he’s obviously in decline. Suh is still solid, if not great.
I wouldn’t mind replacing all three, but Suh is the best of that bunch.
Gronk might be Brady’s choice, tho.
I think we only keep one and get free agents or trades for the other two.
If Trask is trash we might wanna consider getting Mayfield.
Don’t have a clue about Trask, but they probably do
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:52 pm
All comes down to money. I’d prefer to just move on to the next page without either one, but I don’t think we have enough depth in either position to be overly choosy at this point.
Bringing JPP back if healthy probably makes the most sense since he can slide inside in a nickel package. Suh doesn’t have that kind of flexibility.
May 2nd, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Both men have warrior hearts on the gridiron.
I just don’t know if jpp will take a huge pay cut to play with the Bucs.
Personally I’d try to sign both, if possible.
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Occupying a starting roster spot for a “down side of the hill “ great player costs more than just money, there is a cost for not getting to work with a player with promise and potential to turn into a quality starter that might not be great but is typical NFL starter.
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:19 pm
I’d like both too, but at this point I think we need Gronk more and they’re a luxury more than a necessity. I somehow think all three veterans will be back, have been asked to stay in shape and report in July 😂. They really don’t need the practice or wear and tear on their bodies. I really have no clue but never put anything past Jason Licht. He’s one shrewd GM, maybe not before but he has this game figured out. With TB12 in his pocket, he’s holding a royal flush. It’s really too bad those young undrafted kids are too stupid to see the value of training they’d receive spending time on this team. Brady is infectious and if they’re good, other teams will snatch them up when it’s trim time.
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Like them both but such hasn’t had injuries. If probably have to lean toward him over jpp in a tough choice
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:41 pm
It seems JPP playing with a torn rotator last year has completely ruined his reputation among many Bucs fans. The guys been the tone setter on our defense. Had 30 sacks in the previous 3 years. If he can get that shoulder right heck yeah I’ll love to have him back. I’d hat to lose either one really.
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:46 pm
That shoulder will heal. He’s only 33, guys talk like 35-40 is ancient. It takes longer to heal when you’re 60, but JPP is young and he’s got a lot left in his tank. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pull off 15 sacks if he’s back on this line.
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:51 pm
Stanglassman: players, no matter the sport, rarely come back 100% from rotator cuff surgery.
You can’t even regain credible motion for 3-4 months.
You cannot regain strength—I mean for the average non-athlete—for 6+ months after motion regain.
I would be SHOCKED if JPP could return in full form well into the season.
I think every team in the NFL knows this, outside OPB. If they thought JPP could still be a menace, he’d be on a roster somewhere. Most teams would take a flyer on a guy with his past production.
His 2021 film was abysmal.
I am a JPP fan, that is, the actual JPP of the past. I’m not a fan of an old guy with a bad injury occupying a roster space.
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:53 pm
Didn’t gmc say he could find a run stopper anywhere?
If jpp has even half a tank left then we need his leadership and example and voice in the d line room. The guy is the definition of overcomer…
Love suh. Wanted him the whole time over gmc but our wallet is unfortunately depleted
May 2nd, 2022 at 6:09 pm
It does depend on their health for some of the “old guys” on the team. There is also the “want to” factor. As with Gronk, also, they have to think about the grind it will take to get through a seventeen game season, a potential playoff run and that final game in February. I doubt any of those three will end up in the proverbial poor house if they choose not to play this year. If all of the factors come together for all three we will see them back one more time.
Meanwhile, we will have to speculate for a few more weeks I suspect.
Go Bucs!
May 2nd, 2022 at 6:12 pm
33 is ancient in football for a physically demanding position as edge and dt need to move on from jpp need to see if jts is the guy or not he needs the snaps jpp kept taking from him to gain experience.
May 2nd, 2022 at 6:42 pm
How do you write an article debating SUH v JPP without mentioning the fact that SUH has never been injured in his entire career. He even brags about it. JPP can’t get through a season without tearing something.
Suh also tweeted out support for joining the Bucs on 3/31. Another important part of story missing from this article.
Bucs might still take JPP over SUH, but this article leaves out important pieces to the story.
I’d rather have a HEALTHY JPP over SUH. I also want to be a billionaire.
May 2nd, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Two of my favorite Bucs ever, but Suh is far more durable and still very effective. I’d hate to lose either one, but I’d rather have Suh if we can fit him under the cap.
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm
I’m not sure jpp would be willing to take a reduced role… he’s an alpha dawg by all accounts would he be willing to come off the bench?? Because the version we saw last year of jpp is a bench guy. Jts needs his snaps and Anthony Nelson was better then him last year.
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Cobraboy is right about the effect of a torn rotator cuff. No way JPP is 100 percent this Fall. I’m in for Suh and not JPP.
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:32 pm
@ Cobra
Agree 100%. JPP’s game film from 2021 is tough to watch. I am a USF fan as well – so I’ve been a JPP fan since he was a Bull. But he should hang up those cleats… We need young and hungry (youngry), high motor players.
Especially if your chasing the more higher mobile QBs of today’s NFL. You can’t be loafing on 25-30% of the time…
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Suh!….I dont trust JPP’s injuries at his age. We’re ok at pass rush now (hopefully) with Hall and JTS, Shaq and Devin. We need that big strong DT that has dog in him at times with Suh.
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Suh!….I dont trust JPP’s injuries at his age. We’re ok at pass rush now (hopefully) with Hall and JTS, Shaq and Devin. We need that big strong DT that has dog in him at times with Suh
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:43 pm
Didn’t JPP bad mouth the Tampa area???? We don’t need a piece of dead wood like him.
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:48 pm
JPP will check himself in to the game anytime he wants. Even when he is not playing well. So, I guess we put Tryon on the bench again this year and hope JJP is healthy?
May 2nd, 2022 at 7:49 pm
Everyone is forgetting about JPPs knees!
For the past few years he has had days off from practice to reduce the strain on his knees.
I’m more concerned about the knees than shoulder… because of that, I much prefer Suh. He has been durable and always available. His football knowledge is off the shelf and is renound as a great team mate.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:07 pm
everybody knows Suh signs late, even Joe.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:07 pm
If we can keep one, it’s Suh.
USF alum here , big JPP fan, but he’s done. I endured a severe rotator cuff tear. Took forever to heal. never quite the same after. I drove a desk for years, not a 300 pound tackle with a bad attitude.
He’s had a stellar career but should retire after 2021.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Which means this is 100% reaching
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:10 pm
@David, you don’t notice Suh, because he does the dirty work. The man commands two blocks most of the time. That is a huge necessity in a 3-4. The only thing I doubt about him is age and commitment. Maybe Licht thinks he’s toast like JPP, who knows.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:13 pm
JPP will not get what he wants from the Bucs.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:16 pm
If I had to take a guess, and that’s all it is, I’d say that we’ll re-sign Suh, not JPP. I don’t think anyone else will sign him either. However, IF we have injuries to our DE/OLBs as the season rolls on, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Bucs gave JPP a look-see assuming that no one signed him & that he’s in reasonable shape.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:18 pm
I’ll take the guy that’s NEVER injured, then you get your monies worth. I wasn’t all that impressed with JPP in 2020. As a leader and motivator yes but other than making Shaq better not much left in the tank.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:27 pm
Cobraboy I torn my rotator about 7 years ago at 42. I opted not to get the surgery. It took me two years to heal. So I hear ya.
JPP heals like no other human I’ve seen before. You maybe correct but I would bet against JPP being ready.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:28 pm
You know what happens when a company starts fishing for Vets past their prime?
They get what they pay for.
Someone who could careless or someone who cares but does LESS!!!
Its simple business at this point. Either your desperate for name recognition cause your new and suck… OR your seasoned and KNOW you can afford apprentices…
You want the answer to this question? Its starring the players and ALL people in life right in the face.
Its not the persons personal value that matters… Its what’s in the best INTREST of the COMPANY that matters…
LETSROLL… You know the deal. Heals to skol. Kiss these dude GOODBYE!
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:46 pm
Turn the page on both, if they are “missing pieces” at their age this is not a championship defense. Chiefs moved on from honey badger at age 29 and this fan base is tripping over themselves talking about elderly interior guys.
We have starters on the edge and interior hopefully Licht is waiting for cutdown days or this second wave of free agency
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Suh offers more than JPP at this stage, although neither is prime anymore, and both are gimpy.
JPP can be well replaced with Akiem Hicks, Jerry Hughes, Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Houston, Carlos Dunlap.
Suh, much tougher, fewer legit DTs left in free agency. Guys like Eddie Goldman, who looks done, but might do better with a change of scenery.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:48 pm
Bucs gave Hall JPP’s number… read into that what you would like
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:53 pm
I doubt if JPP will accept a back up/mentor/situational role- he wouldn’t last year when his play and effort were abysmal. No doubt he was a truly great Buc when reasonably healthy- but no more. Suh will give you all he’s got when you put him on the field- he just needs more rest now. We need Suh- no way a 280 lb rookie can do what Suh does- no way a rookie is going to point his finger in the face of a super bowl big hyped QB ! No bargain but he’s unique. We need him.
May 2nd, 2022 at 8:55 pm
“Your best ability is your availability.”
That said Suh. He’s older but he never misses games and he’s still productive.
May 2nd, 2022 at 9:02 pm
JPPs shoulder wasn’t the only problem last year. His legs looked shot to me. I’ve had the same procedure. It’s more of pain tolerance and range of motion thing while playing with it. Of course everyone is different, and I wouldn’t doubt if he attempted a come back. Good luck to him. But, when the legs are gone, it’s usually the end for guys like him. Boarder line HOF if you as the GOB. Would never wanna be a QB, with that across the field. Just ask TB12.
May 2nd, 2022 at 9:15 pm
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. JPP, then Brady and unfortunately, I think the Lightning. This inconsistent team isn’t built like the last 2 Championship years.
May 2nd, 2022 at 9:38 pm
I would take the healthy JPP over the healthy Suh. Problem is I do not think that JPP shoulder will be healthy this year. Plus, the chance for reinjury to that shoulder is high.
So all that being said, if I could get back one player at 6.5 million that would be Suh over JPP. Health matters.
May 2nd, 2022 at 10:38 pm
Interesting thought process from the Bucs. JPP is definitely the spark plug to the defense and Suh never misses a snap. I’d love to have them both back. Do we have a spot for both of them? If we bring JPP back does that hinder JTS growth? I haven’t seen a version of JPP that will be happy on the bench mentoring. Suh has been a mentor to Gholston and I’ll bet he’d be awesome for Hall as well. Interesting thoughts if you had to choose.
May 2nd, 2022 at 10:53 pm
I don’t understand why people are down on jpp to start with. My understanding is he had a torn rotator cuff last season. It’s a common injury and I know a few people personally who have torn their rotator cuff. Not a big deal. Surgery and rehab makes good as new. It’s a tiny muscle under the shoulder blade, not a ligament in the knee that heals slow. How many times does jpp need to come back from injury to prove he’s badass?
May 2nd, 2022 at 11:21 pm
@Stanglassman: I tore my left rotator cuff in an ungainly motorcycle off, gravel in a blind curve.
The doc said he could fix it, but to get back 100%, it would be two years of pain.
At my age, it’s just not worth it.
There are many lifts I just can’t do without serious pain today.
……
This growin’ old stuff ain’t fer sissies…
May 2nd, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Remember when Suh was mentoring Will Gholston? I’d like to see Suh back to not only mentor Logan Hall, but also be the starter and take most of the pressure off the kid, while he gets bigger and gets coached up.
May 3rd, 2022 at 1:03 am
🙄 Suh.
May 3rd, 2022 at 2:33 am
JPP, if healthy, has been a warrior his entire career and I would trust him way more than SUH right now. SUH is a few years older and did not have an injury last year and was a no-show in about 15 games. He’s done and wants way too much money for what he has to offer now.
Because of injuries, they’re probably going to get JPP rather cheap… If they feel he is healthy
May 3rd, 2022 at 3:37 am
yeah i’m starting to think there’s gotta be a way to bring back jpp and suh…
they’re part of what was started here…so let them finish…
tommy b will be most likely gone after this year, so bring back all the guys and give it one last run
May 3rd, 2022 at 5:35 am
Suh > JPP
May 3rd, 2022 at 8:49 am
They have to try and bring them both back. That pass rush will suffer first half of the season.
May 3rd, 2022 at 10:12 am
Cobraboy Says:
May 2nd, 2022 at 5:51 pm
Stanglassman: players, no matter the sport, rarely come back 100% from rotator cuff surgery.
You can’t even regain credible motion for 3-4 months.
You cannot regain strength—I mean for the average non-athlete—for 6+ months after motion regain.
————————————————-
You know ZERO. I’ve been in the athletics and injury recovery field forever. A rotator cuff injury may have ZERO effect on range of motion… and even with surgery, people are able to return to 100% within 3-6 months. You really shouldn’t be commenting on things you know nothing about.
May 3rd, 2022 at 1:44 pm
“May have zero”
Tell it to my surgeon, bro, that he does not know what he’s talking about.
May 3rd, 2022 at 6:23 pm
JPP has the heart to overcome anything, he has proven that, if he will play for cheep, sign that man.