It seems the New York Giants have reached a decision regarding defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. They’re content to let him reach the open market in 2016 free agency despite clear evidence he is the only proven pass rusher the team has. Could it be his unfortunate fireworks accident that mangled his hand? Chances are good that is the case.

Upon seeing the X-rays of what happened, it’s easy to see why some doubt he’ll ever be the force he was two years ago. That said, there is reason to think it’s unwise to doubt him just yet. Even though he finished with just one sack, quarterbacks felt his presence often as he was still able to create pressure despite having no training camp and missing the first eight games. Perhaps rust was more of a factor in his limited production than just the hand.

Something that is so often forgotten is that talented players find a way to adjust to playing hurt. Ronnie Lott kept going to Pro Bowls even after he had one of his fingers amputated. Bob Kuechenberg had a rod inserted into his broken forearm so he could play in the Super Bowl (which he won). Why can Pierre-Paul adjust to playing with his hand the way it is?

He’s only 27-years old. The pass rush skill never left him. It’s just a matter of learning how to operate with his hand the way it is. That doesn’t happen overnight. If there is a team out there smart enough to realize this, they could get a Pro Bowl defensive end at the peak of his powers for what will likely be modest money.