Former Ravens EDGE signs with the Saints to "ring chase" in 2023

Former Baltimore Ravens edge rusher and free agent Jason Pierre-Paul, following his tenure in Maryland last season, spent a huge chunk of this year in the free market. That hiatus came to an end on Monday, Nov. 13, with JPP finally finding a new home.

A few days ago, it was reported that Pierre-Paul was actively pursuing a new deal to join a contender and chase a third Super Bowl ring. The three-time Pro Bowler, aged 34, has picked the New Orleans Saints to do that... even though nobody considers NOLA quite a Super Bowl contender. Josina Anderson broke the news.

This move was reported after the Saints held a workout session with Pierre-Paul on Monday, a development confirmed by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network and Josina Anderson. Anderson quoted JPP saying "I killed the workout. You can tell I’ve been active & not just sitting around. The head coach called me in his office to talk about it. I’m still figuring things out."

Pierre-Paul will return to the NFC South, where he previously played four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning a Super Bowl. He will bolster a pass-rushing unit in New Orleans' that clearly lacks talent, ranking in the bottom third league-wide in blitz rate, pressure rate, and total sacks through Week 10.

Back in 2022, when playing for the Baltimore Ravens, JPP showcased his defensive chops racking up three sacks, 26 tackles, and one interception in 13 starts for the Flock. Although his recent sack numbers have dipped, the three-time Pro Bowler and two-time champion should still add some value to a mediocre Saints defense.

With the Saints standing at 5–5 and in need of defensive reinforcement, Pierre-Paul's arrival could provide a timely boost. That said, it's looking like JPP didn't find the offers he was expecting from contenders and he ultimately had to accept chasing a bag rather than a chance at winning a championship.

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