Report: Arizona Cardinals ‘really like’ Jason Pierre-Paul

The Arizona Cardinals would like to upgrade their pass rush this offseason, and they may be narrowing their search down to just a handful of candidates.

And, of that group, it appears a favorite is emerging.

The Arizona Cardinals will pursue free agents Jason Pierre Paul, William Hayes, Tamba Hali and Mario Williams.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 7, 2016

Hayes, 30, finished last season with 5.5 sacks for the Rams, and has 29.5 in his career. The 32-year-old Hali has accumulated 86 sacks over in 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, but had 6.5 last season. Williams, 31, has 96 career sacks and figures to be one of the most sought after free agents available.

Of that group, however, the most interesting name might be Pierre-Paul.

Hearing Cardinals really like JPP and as I have mentioned for weeks I do believe he would be a great fit for Cards.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 7, 2016

The 27-year-old Pierre-Paul has been one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers over the course of his career — which has spanned six seasons with the New York Giants — but struggled last season after a freak injury sustained while using fireworks caused him to lose fingers on his right hand. He played in eight games and tallied just one sack.

In 2014, though, he notched 12.5 sacks in 16 games.

The 15th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of South Florida, Pierre-Paul was a Pro Bowler in 2011 and 2012 as well as a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2011.

In 83 career games, the 6-foot-5, 278-pound Pierre-Paul has tallied 312 total tackles, 43 sacks, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

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