Heading into the final season of his rookie contract, Jabrill Peppers is open to signing a long-term extension with the New York Giants. The front office should hustle to get a deal done. But several factors go into such a move.
The radio silence from both sides shows that preliminary discussions might have already begun. However, the clock is ticking. The preseason is the perfect time to get a deal of this nature. However, the Giants might be cautious in signing any player to a contract extension because of the uncertainty of the 2022 salary cap limit.
The NFL’s Unsettled Financial Landscape Could Stall Peppers’ Contract Extension
The league suffered severe financial losses from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It forced the NFL to lower this season’s salary cap by $15 million to $182.5 million. League officials hope the re-opening of every stadium to full capacity will move next season’s salary cap number to between $208-215 million. But that is not a guarantee as the NFL’s financial landscape is very much unsettled at the moment.
All contract extensions might be on hold. The league is still getting a better read on the projected revenue for 2021. In the salary cap era, financial constraints have forced NFL franchises to make hard personnel decisions. Simply put, not every pending free agent can be re-signed.
Peppers Wants a Big Payday
Peppers wants to get paid like a top safety in the NFL. His wish may come true. Slowly, he is getting recognized for his play, but there is still work to be done.
On the football field, the addition of Peppers has brought a much-needed playmaker to the Giants defensive lineup. He is a versatile safety who can cover fast, athletic receivers deep downfield and move up towards the line of scrimmage to stuff the run or rush the quarterback. The 25-year-old has recorded 108 solo tackles in his two seasons with Big Blue.
No question, Peppers and the Giants have a great working relationship. He is seen at numerous team-related functions since his arrival to New York in the 2019 Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Plus, Peppers was crucial in the recruitment of Kenny Golladay to the franchise this offseason.
The Giants have little leverage in these pending contract negotiations. Peppers has played an integral role in the franchise’s resurgence. The safety market with the recent signings of Seattle Seahawks Jamal Adams, Denver Broncos Justin Simmons, and Arizona Cardinals Budda Baker. It could become a stumbling block in re-signing Peppers to a new deal.
[pickup_prop id=”10757″]
Giants Have Something to Gain From Peppers’ Contract Extension
Any potential contract extension allows the Giants to gain additional value from that blockbuster trade. The Giants keep a cornerstone piece of the package acquired in the fold for an extended period of time.
It wouldn’t be the first time an outstanding defender left the Giants. Both Landon Collins and Dalvin Tomlinson left the franchise via free agency. Each player’s market price was far too expensive to fit under the Giants salary cap limits. However, Peppers could lower his salary cap hit in the contract extension agreement, which frees up cap space for the Giants next season.
Do not be surprised if the Giants use their 2022 franchise tag on Peppers. It will give them time to work out a long-term deal with their star safety. They used the same approach on Leonard Williams this past offseason. It worked out well for both sides.
Peppers’ immediate goal is to have another outstanding season. That should get him a contract extension. If not, then make himself available as an unrestricted free agent to the highest bidder.
From a Giants perspective, they cannot let this contract situation drag on too much longer.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
