Bucs sign veteran LB Pierre-Paul to practice squad, aiming to bolster defense amid injuries

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed veteran outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul to their practice squad, bolstering their defensive lineup amid injury concerns.

Why it matters: This move comes at a critical time for the Buccaneers as starting linebacker Haason Reddick is nursing an ankle injury, which has left the team needing depth at the position.

• The Buccaneers currently rank 13th in the league with 32 sacks this season, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong pass rush.
• Pierre-Paul’s extensive experience and past success with the team make him a valuable asset during this period of uncertainty.

What’s new: Jason Pierre-Paul returns to the Buccaneers after a two-year hiatus, having previously made significant contributions to the team from 2018 to 2021.

• During his tenure with the Bucs, he recorded 33 sacks, ranking him tied for 10th all-time in franchise history.
• His most recent season saw him play three games in 2023 for the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, and his last full season with the Baltimore Ravens included 3 sacks and 7 tackles for loss.

Yes, but: While Pierre-Paul brings a wealth of experience to the table, questions linger about his current form following limited playing time in recent seasons.

• At 36 years old, Pierre-Paul faces the challenges of aging in a physically demanding sport where speed and agility are paramount.
• Nonetheless, his resilience—having overcome serious injuries, including a fireworks accident that resulted in the amputation of his right index finger—demonstrates his determination and adaptability.

By the numbers: The statistics surrounding Pierre-Paul's career illustrate his impact on the field.

• He boasts a total of 94.5 career sacks and has consistently been a disruptive force, evidenced by his 55 quarterback hits and 8 forced fumbles during his time with the Buccaneers.
• His ability to generate tackles for loss (35 during his four seasons with the Bucs) reflects his prowess in reading plays and disrupting offenses.

What to watch: As Pierre-Paul integrates back into the team, fans should monitor how quickly he adapts to the current defensive scheme under head coach Todd Bowles.

• The Buccaneers defense operates primarily out of a 3-4 scheme, which relies heavily on outside linebackers to provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• How effectively Pierre-Paul can contribute in this system will be crucial, especially if Reddick's absence extends beyond a few games.

The bottom line: The signing of Jason Pierre-Paul signals Tampa Bay's commitment to fortifying its defense and navigating injury challenges strategically.

• With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Pierre-Paul not only adds depth but also provides leadership within a young group of defenders who may benefit from his expertise as they aim for a playoff push this season.