Jason Pierre-Paul is vacationing overseas on this Fourth of July, the one-year anniversary of the fireworks accident that changed his career, and his life.

A glance at his social media accounts shows the Giants' star defensive end is in Europe. That definitely fits the criteria of being a place "where they don't celebrate the Fourth of July," as he coyly told reporters last month when asked about his holiday plans.

But no matter where he is, a career-defining season awaits him when he reports to training camp with the rest of the Giants on July 28.

Pierre-Paul has come a long, remarkable way over the last 366 days. When he severely damaged his right hand a year ago, he became the butt of jokes and national ridicule, losing his index finger and millions of dollars as the possibility his relationship with the Giants was broken beyond repair seemed very real.

But after a nearly four-month separation, Pierre-Paul returned and signed a pro-rated contract in late October. He's hit pretty much every note ever since, playing his heart out on the field and becoming a leader off it, embracing his role model status to assist fellow burn victims and help educate others about the dangers of fireworks, and positioning himself as a realistic candidate for a team captaincy this fall, any issues he once had with the organization having washed away.

But still, one big question remains: Exactly what kind of player is Pierre-Paul now?

We know he can still impact games. Pierre-Paul miraculously demonstrated that during his abbreviated 2015 season, giving the Giants' punchless pass rush a clear lift from Day 1.

But he also showed clear limitations. Pierre-Paul only finished with one sack in eight games. He struggled to finish rushes and notch tackles while forced to wear a bulky protective club on his hand. Sometimes, it appeared that if Pierre-Paul could not beat an offensive tackle with his first move off the snap, he was immediately out of the play.

This season - Pierre-Paul's prove-it year - will answer that question. Both he and the Giants believe he will be a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher again with the club gone and a full offseason of training under his belt. But, Pierre-Paul has to prove that is the case. He can earn up to $10.5 million this season, but many more millions in future salary are at stake.

By re-signing with the Giants on a one-year deal, Pierre-Paul has made a smart bet on himself.

If Pierre-Paul returns to elite status, he will command much more money as an unrestricted free agent next March than he would have this spring with uncertainties still surrounding him. And if things do not work out as he hopes, and Pierre-Paul's 2015 performance proves to be what he is now capable of, he has $8.5 million in guaranteed money coming his way in 2016, and can still continue his career as an above-average player going forward at an appropriate price.

The move was also a win for the Giants. It would have been a punch to the gut for the organization if, after weathering the storm, Pierre-Paul has gone and become a Pro Bowler again for, say, the Arizona Cardinals. They now get to find out what he is capable of at a reasonable price, without investing too much out of good faith.

If Pierre-Paul's level of play does not raise considerably, the Giants can approach the future accordingly. And if he does put together a big season, the Giants will reap the rewards on the field as they seek to end their postseason drought.

And yes, the Giants do face the possibility they could lose Pierre-Paul after this season if he turns in a stellar year. They should have a good amount of cap space after this year, but other teams will have more. Truth be told, the Giants would likely sign up for the threat a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars could price them out on Pierre-Paul in 2017 the way the Giants did to the Jags with Olivier Vernon. Because that would mean Pierre-Paul was a force to be reckoned with in 2016.

And, remember, the Giants will have the franchise tag in their back pocket if they want it. They could bring this whole thing full circle if desired, tagging Pierre-Paul in order to buy time to work out a long-term deal - just as was the situation one year ago.

But all of that is a long way down the road. First, a career-defining season awaits Pierre-Paul. The way he has handled his unfortunate circumstance over the past year has been commendable and should be celebrated. But the full story will not be finished until the final remaining question is answered in the months to come.

TALK IS CHEAP, Ep. 56: Recapping the spring, and a big announcement

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James Kratch can be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find and like NJ.com Giants on Facebook.