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Ravens sign veteran pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul to one-year contract

The Baltimore Ravens announced Thursday afternoon that they've signed NFL veteran Jason Pierre-Paul. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the deal is for one year and $5.5 million.

Pierre-Paul has been in the NFL for 12 seasons and was originally drafted by the New York Giants in 2010. He won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2012, and won another with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. He's also made two Pro Bowls.

Pierre-Paul first visited the Ravens over the summer, and dropped by for a second time earlier this week. Head coach John Harbaugh was anxious for the front office to sign JPP on Wednesday.

The Ravens need some depth at pass-rush, and a vet like Pierre-Paul is definitely that. But his 2021 wasn't a banner year for him. Over 12 games he had 31 tackles (three for losses), 2.5 sacks, five QB hits and a forced fumble. Those numbers are way off his 2020 Pro Bowl season, in which he had 9.5 sacks and 55 tackles. His 2021 sack total of 2.5 was the lowest since 2015, which was the season after his right index finger was amputated due to a fireworks accident.

JPP is 33, and his prime years are definitely behind him. But he was a Pro Bowler not that long ago, and if he can find some of that form again, he could be a big help to the Ravens.

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul (90) rushes the passer during the regular season game between the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 24, 2021 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul has signed a one-year deal with the Ravens. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)