The Miami Dolphins moved to fill the defensive vacancy left when linebacker Jaelan Phillips was lost for the season on Friday, agreeing to a deal with Jason Pierre-Paul, multiple media outlets reported on Monday.
Pierre-Paul, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, signed with the Saints' practice squad on Thursday and played for New Orleans on Sunday. He made two tackles in the Saints' 24-15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
In a social media post on Monday, Pierre-Paul wrote, "I would like to thank the New Orleans Saints and the organization for giving me the opportunity to play for them. I can't even lie it was a hard decision to make. To all the guys in the locker room I appreciate y'all accepting me as a teammate and to all the coaches appreciate you guys for believing in me.
"I'm coming home (dolphin emoji)"
Pierre-Paul, 34, grew up in South Florida. He played 14 games, making 13 starts, for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He amassed 26 tackles, three sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and five passes defended.
Pierre-Paul, a first-team All-Pro in 2011, is a two-time Super Bowl champion with 94.5 career sacks in 180 games (150 starts) with the New York Giants (2010-17), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-21), Ravens and Saints.
Chosen by the Giants with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 draft, Pierre-Paul has recorded 631 tackles, 167 quarterback hits, 21 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns while playing defensive end and outside linebacker.
Phillips, 24, tore his right Achilles tendon in the Dolphins' 34-13 victory over the New York Jets last week. He had a sack and four tackles on Friday, giving him 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks in eight games (six starts) this year. Phillips sat out due to back and oblique injuries earlier in the season.
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