Giants re-sign Pierre-Paul For Four yEArs, $68 million

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—The New York Giants are convinced star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is fully healed from a fireworks accident that severely damaged his right hand.

They believe that so much that they have given JPP a four-year contract worth about $68 million.

“This is where I wanted to be,” PierrePaul told the Giants website Friday. “I couldn’t imagine me being anywhere else.”

Two summers ago, on July 4, PierrePaul’s right hand was severely damaged in a fireworks accident in Florida. He missed the first half of that season, but returned for the final eight games. He started all 12 games he played last year and has a strong finish as the Giants made the playoffs.

The 28-year-old Pierre-Paul said: “I’m back for four years and I’m ready to get after it.”

“It means a lot to me, because I started here, and obviously I want to finish here,” the two-time Pro Bowler said. “I’ve seen a lot of guys come and go, especially in my (2010 draft) class. I’m the only one left in my class here. It means a lot. We won a Super Bowl here, and I’m looking forward to putting a fifth trophy in the case.”

The team gave Pierre-Paul the franchise tag last month for the second time in three years.

“We’re happy to get a long-term deal with Jason,” general manager Jerry Reese said. “Not only is he one of our best players, he is one of our leaders.”

The Giants rebuilt their defense last year mostly through free agency, adding among others tackle Damon Harrison, who had an All-Pro season, and end Olivier Vernon. Along with Pierre-Paul, they helped turn around the unit and the Giants went 11-5, making the playoffs for the first time since winning the 2011 NFL title.