The Tampa Bay Buccaneers executed a reworking of injured defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul‘s contract on Wednesday by eliminating the 2020 year of his deal, making him eligible for free agency after this season.
The move clears $4.4 million in cap space while giving Pierre-Paul a chance to earn up to $10.5 million (with a base value of $5 million) in pay in 2019 upon his return to the field.
He carried a base salary of $13.65 million with a cap hit of $14.9 million before the rework. Since the veteran is on the Non-Football Injury list, the team was not obligated to pay him for the time he is missing.
The compromise allows Pierre-Paul the opportunity to recoup a significant portion of lost compensation in exchange for freeing the team from the final year of his contract.
Jason Pierre-Paul is a two-time Pro Bowler that spent his first eight seasons with the New York Giants before being traded to the Buccaneers in the 2018 off-season.
A Shaquil Barrett Extension?
ESPN’s Jenna Laine’s initial reaction to the reworking of Pierre-Paul’s contract was what it could mean for NFL sack leader Shaquil Barrett.
The team not only saved $4.4 million in 2019 cap space but also cleared a $12.5 million commitment to the former South Florida Bull in 2020. Hypothetically, this move could serve as a prelude to an extension for Barrett.
Barrett, 26, has taken the league by storm to begin the 2019 season, registering a remarkable 8.0 sacks through just three games.
The breakout star is on a one-year, $5 million deal with Tampa Bay and is in line for a huge payday in 2020 with the Buccaneer extension or via free agency.
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