Latest on JPP; Giants and Eli Manning Nearing a New Deal?

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THE LATEST ON THE JASON PIERRE-PAUL SAGA…
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul met with New York Giants on Monday, his first in-person interaction with team officials since the July 4th fireworks accident that caused serious injuries to his right hand and arm.

According to ESPN, Pierre-Paul underwent a physical and provided the New York Giants with all of the medical records related to injuries he suffered in the accident. In addition, the Giants were provided a tape of Pierre-Paul performing strength and conditioning workouts as well as defensive line drills. Since the accident, Pierre-Paul has been working with former defensive line coach John Blake on pass-rush technique with his hand in its current condition.

Multiple media sources are reporting that Pierre-Paul had a physical exam at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

ESPN says Pierre-Paul’s “first visit” with the team was to provide the Giants with an opportunity to physically evaluate the injured player to make an informed decision on how best to proceed.

“He could play this week, but he probably wont,” an unidentified source told ESPN. “If it was up to him, he would wrap his hand in a cast and play.”

It remains to be seen if there will be a roadblock over money. Pierre-Paul remains an unsigned Franchise player with a 1-year, $14.813 million tender. Pierre-Paul believes he can play now but the Giants medical staff may not agree. If Pierre-Paul is placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List, he would have to sit out at least six games, potentially costing him $5.5 million or more. The two sides may attempt to reach a compromise deal instead based on playing time and performance incentives.

ESPN is reporting that the Giants came away “encouraged by meetings with, and medical exam of” Pierre-Paul. ESPN says it is now anticipated that the Giants will speak to Pierre-Paul’s representatives by the end of Tuesday to discuss contract details and a potential timetable for his return to the practice and playing fields.

GIANTS AND ELI MANNING NEARING A NEW DEAL?…
According to NJ.com, the New York Giants and the representatives for Eli Manning have been making progress in their efforts to reach a new deal for the quarterback. Manning is entering the final year of his current 6-year, $97.5 million contract that he signed in August 2009. NJ.com is reporting that the new contract could be finalized before the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

“I’m not a big fan of negotiations going on during the season,” Manning told WFAN Radio on Tuesday. “I’m hoping if this thing is going to get done, it’s going to get done very quickly. I would think both sides would want to do it that way and not have these talks continue on.”

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