Former Baltimore Ravens player and veteran edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul has made it clear that he isn't done playing football and that he wants to extend his career for a few more weeks at the very least.
Pierre-Paul, who has been out of the NFL since his deal with the Ravens ran out following the 2022 season, is actively seeking a new contract to ring-chase by joining a contender, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Free agent pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, one of the top rushers still available, is now willing to sign with the practice squad of a playoff contender, per sources. He started 13 games for the #Ravens last year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2023
Pierre-Paul has been a free agent since the end of last season when Baltimore's campaign ended in the Wild Card round of the postseason.
Now entering mid-November, JPP has already surpassed the date on which he inked his deal to play for the Ravens last year, which both parties agreed to in late September just a few days into the 2022 regular season.
Pierre-Paul has expressed his desire to join a contender as he wants to add a third ring to his collection after winning the Super Bowl with the Giants (2011) and the Buccaneers (2020). The three-time Pro Bowler envisions contributing as a rotational player to a competitive team.
In a recent interview with Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Pierre-Paul sounded confident in his ability to make an impact in his age-34 season.
Just got off the phone with free agent DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul who emphatically said he can help any NFL pass rush now:
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 8, 2023
“I been training my ass off, even though I’m not on a team. I been looking at a lot of football lately, and I feel like I can still make a contender shift… pic.twitter.com/NhAJItixR1
Having been part of the Ravens last season, Pierre-Paul demonstrated his capabilities with a healthy 60% snap share, resulting in three sacks and five tackles for a loss of yardage across 14 regular-season games. He also appeared in the postseason, completing one tackle in the Wild Card game.
"I been looking at a lot of football lately, and I feel like I can still make a contender shift now. There are plenty of teams that still need a pass rush. So I’m just waiting for that call. If you go back and watch the film with the Ravens, you can see I played very physical… Whatever team I end up on is going to get the best of me. I’ll be all out; I don’t need a whole season. There are teams I want to be on."Jason Pierre-Paul, Free Agent EDGE
“I been training my ass off, even though I’m not on a team,“ JPP told Anderson. "There are plenty of teams that still need a pass rush. So I’m just waiting for that call."
While Pierre-Paul awaits potential suitors, the Ravens and the Jaguars look like prominent, potential landing spots. Both franchises showed interest in edge rushers ahead of the trade deadline but both failed to acquire any of their targets. Signing a free agent of JPP's talent isn't the worst solution.
Pierre-Paul looks motivated and ready to make a significant impact wherever he lands, but he seems to have a good idea of where he wants to play next: "There are teams I want to be on," he told Anderson.