Buccaneers Super Bowl champion eyes NFL comeback, but not for Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have experienced a pattern of player reunions in recent years, reflecting the franchise's appeal. Key players like Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Lavonte David, and Chris Godwin have chosen to stay or re-sign with the team rather than pursue free agency, with Godwin recently inking a three-year deal. Jordan Whitehead and Mike Edwards also returned to Tampa Bay last year.

However, Super Bowl-winning defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul—who played for Tampa from 2018-2021—expressed no interest in reuniting with the Buccaneers. Despite being unsigned since 2023 after stints with Baltimore, New Orleans, and Miami, Pierre-Paul stated he'd prefer returning to the New York Giants, where he began his career and won another championship. He emphasized his continued ability to contribute, noting Giants fans understand his playing style and effort level.

Pierre-Paul's desire for a "full-circle moment" with the rebuilding Giants is framed as understandable, potentially providing veteran leadership alongside new talents like Malik Nabers and Kayvon Thibodeaux. While his rejection might disappoint Buccaneers fans momentarily—given he was one of GM Jason Licht's most successful acquisitions—there are no hard feelings. Whether Pierre-Paul succeeds in his NFL comeback remains uncertain, but his preference for New York over Tampa is clear.