While some Bucs fans are still trying to process the team’s signing of Jason Pierre Paul, one player in particular is thrilled to have him with the team.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield was asked about how JPP fits into the team for the Bucs and how he will be able to help them in an important stretch run. While Mayfield certainly didn’t point out his play, he did say the sense of family and community he brings could uplift the squad in a tough time.
Mayfield Praises JPP’s Leadership and Energy
“[He’s] obviously a guy that’s had a ton of production over the years,” said Mayfield. “[He] was a huge part of the Super Bowl here. [He gives] a little bit more juice in the building [and] guys get excited about that. It puts the pressure on; when you bring guys in like that, you try and elevate the standard, the performance level, and it pushes us on offense because we haven’t done enough to score enough points, quite frankly, and to put our defense in that position.” This puts into perspective a move that previously made no sense at all, but now could see the Bucs gain a better sense of urgency.
After all, Jason Pierre Paul is a two time Super Bowl champion, once with the Bucs when Tom Brady was still the quarterback. He is also a three time Pro Bowler and once led the Bucs in sacks in 2018 with 12.5. He is clearly a veteran who can boost a whole team’s mentality, especially when a guy like Baker Mayfield can easily get behind the move.
It is clear that JPP could be a different player all together. In fact, he would currently be the fifth choice in terms of edge rushing rotation. However, he knows that what matters more is his experience and the camaraderie he can build with his new teammates.
JPP Emphasizes Family, Connection, and Veteran Presence
“It’s all about family, man. When I step in, it’s more for like family,” JPP told reporters. “[There are] some guys I don’t even know, it’s all new faces — some of them — but I’m going to get to know them, slowly but surely. We have four games left, but I’ll make the best of it getting to know each and every one on the team and try to connect with them some way somehow, whether it’s eating with them or talking about life goals or something.”
The one question that remains to be answered is whether the Bucs can get any production out of him. He has only recored 5.5 sacks over the past three years and his final year before this season was in 2023, where he spent most of time on several practice squads. Still, if he’s willing to help this Bucs team make a playoff push, then there should be no reason to think he won’t give everything he’s got.
“I’ve been wanting to play football since the beginning of the year,” JPP said Tuesday. “[When the] opportunity comes, you’re there, so that’s basically what happened. There was an opportunity given and I made the best of it.”
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