The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing their best to keep the gang together.
On Monday, hours after they placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, the Buccaneers announced that they had re-signed another one of their best pass-rushers, Jason Pierre-Paul, to a multi-year contract. Despite playing in just 10 games with eight starts last year, Pierre-Paul produced 8.5 sacks, second only to Barrett's league-leading 19.5 among Buccaneer defenders.
Pierre-Paul missed the first six games of 2019 due to a neck injury suffered in a spring car accident, but he proved to be as disruptive as ever upon his return. In fact, he recorded a sack against the Tennessee Titans on his very first snap after returning to action. He and Barrett were part of a Buccaneer defensive front that produced 47 sacks, second-most in a season in franchise history, and also led the NFL in rushing defense. In addition to his 8.5 sacks, Pierre-Paul recorded 27 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two passes defense.
Barrett, Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh and Carl Nassib were all key figures in that defensive front, and both Head Coach Bruce Arians and General Manager Jason Licht made it clear that keeping as much of that group together in 2020 was a priority. In one busy day, the Buccaneers have taken a big step towards realizing that goal.
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul signs a multi-year deal to stay with the Buccaneers.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Buccaneers lost 38-35. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Buccaneers lost 38-35. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Buccaneers lost 38-35. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-9. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive End William Gholston #92 and Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 28-14. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 28-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 23, 2018 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The Buccaneers lost 27-20. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 03, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 and Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks at Century Link Field. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 40-34. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 30-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Kahzin Daniels #41 and Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 30-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 17, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 34-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 17, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 34-17. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 01, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-11. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 01, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-11. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 01, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-11. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 1, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-11. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 08, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 38-35. Photo By Kevin Sabitus/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 08, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 38-35. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 08, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 15, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 38-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 21, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 21, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 21, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 23-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 21, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Houston Texans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul #90 and Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 28-22. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #58 and Outside Linebacker Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game 28-22. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 29, 2019 - Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #58 and Outside Linebacker Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game 28-22. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pierre-Paul first joined the Buccaneers via a trade with the New York Giants in March of 2018. He was an instant hit with his new team, leading the Tampa Bay defense with 12.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits, and in the process snapping a 13-year drought in which no Tampa defender reached double digits in sacks in a single season. In all, Pierre-Paul has played in 26 games as a Buccaneer and has 21.0 sacks, as well as 36 hits, three forced fumbles and 85 tackles. His 21 sacks over the last two years are tied for 11th-most in that span.
And the former University of South Florida star finished his second season back in his college town with a flourish, racking up five sacks and a forced fumble in the last two games of 2019. At age 31, Pierre-Paul demonstrated that he could still be one of the NFL's most dangerous pass-rushers, and he also proved to be an emotional sparkplug on the field. He and Barrett combined for eight sacks and 11 quarterback hits in those two games, further cementing what the Buccaneers' offseason priority would be in free agency.
Prior to the trade that brought him to Tampa, Pierre-Paul played eight seasons in New York and racked up 58.5 sacks for the Giants. His 79.5 sacks overall rank 13th among active players in the NFL. Pierre-Paul's most productive sack season came in 2011, when he recorded 16.5 QB takedowns and 28 QB hits and was rewarded with Pro Bowl and first-team AP All-Pro honors. He was also voted into the Pro Bowl in 2012 and recorded 12.5 sacks in 2014.
Pierre-Paul struck his new deal with the Buccaneers two days before he would have become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the 2020 league year. Now the team can turn its attention to other key free agents it wants to retain, a list that possibly include Suh, Nassib, quarterback Jameis Winston, wide receiver Breshad Perriman, running back Peyton Barber and tackle Demar Dotson.
