Report: Giants working to re-sign Pierre-Paul ahead of free agency

Not only are the New York Giants looking to re-sign Jason Pierre-Paul this offseason, but the club is reportedly hoping to ensure that other teams aren't given the opportunity to get involved in the bidding process.

New York is working to reach a new deal with its standout defensive end before free agency opens early next month, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.

Given the clear shortage of talent up front and the club's considerable amount of salary-cap space, extending Pierre-Paul's contract remains a sensible goal for the Giants.

What remains to be seen, however, is whether the two sides can agree to terms on his long-term value.

Pierre-Paul was hit with the franchise tag to keep him off the open market this time last year, seemingly putting him in line for a long-term extension in the months that followed.

But negotiations for such a deal were effectively put on hold when a Fourth of July fireworks incident left him with severe injuries on his right hand.

Eventually working his way back for the last eight games of the regular season, the 27-year-old finished the year with just one sack while playing with a large wrap on his surgically repaired hand.

Pierre-Paul tallied an impressive 42 sacks over the five seasons prior, doing well to establish himself as one of the league's most explosive talents on the edge.