Unable to come to terms on a longer deal, the Giants have placed the franchise tag on defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per sources informed of the situation.
The 2010 first-round pick will count just under $15 million against the team's salary cap for 2015.
This was the ideal move for Jerry Reese and the Giants all along. If Pierre-Paul continues to work his way back to 2011 form, Reese will be able to clear the decks salary-cap wise and spend on a long-term deal.
However, if some of Pierre-Paul's injury and maturity issues begin to surface, the team has an out after just one season.
That isn't expected, though. Behind the scenes, the team has been impressed with Pierre-Paul's commitment to recovery after a damaging back surgery in 2013. The two-time Pro Bowl player had 12.5 sacks last season.
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