It has been rumored for days that three-time Pro Bowler Jason-Pierre Paul could make a return to the NFL and now it has finally happened. The Baltimore Ravens announced Thursday that they have signed the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants star.
Pierre-Paul confirmed his signing via text Thursday afternoon. “I’m joining the #Ravens as of today,” he told NFL insider Josina Anderson.
The 12-year pro struggled last year with the Bucs because of injuries and, as a result, he only had 2.5 sacks.
After the Ravens’ defense was torched by the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday, it didn’t come as a shock that the team would make this move. The Ravens needed someone on that defensive line to put more pressure on the quarterback and Pierre-Paul may be just what they needed.
He may have had a down year last year, but in 2020, the defensive end had 9.5 sacks, which followed a year in which he garnered 8.5 sacks. If he is truly healthy again, this could be a huge pick-up for the Ravens.
Most NFL fans were excited to see this signing and what it could mean.
Josina thank you for delivering some good news in these trying times. It’s been hard being a Ravens fan since this past Sunday
— Justin.. (@JaySVP__) September 22, 2022
So the Ravens have JPP, Houston, Oweh, and Ojabo when he gets back…if you can't provide pressure with those players, combined with the defensive line, then something has to be off…I expect this pass rush to heat up once Ojabo gets back and rolling!
— Justin Latimer (@JustinLatimer7) September 22, 2022
Enjoyed JPP. Tough guy. True dawg. Wish him success with his new team.
— bushwickisbeautiful (@bushwickboy) September 22, 2022
But not everybody was excited about Pierre Paul’s signing.
Sad that his career has now hit rock bottom.
— Raven (@Sudzy_Wudzy) September 22, 2022
You can’t win them all but after last week’s performance, the Ravens had to do something to sure up their defense.