Bucs outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul is coming off a disappointing season. After a Pro Bowl year in 2020, Pierre-Paul managed just 2.5 sacks while missing five games due to injury. After the Bucs playoff loss to the Rams, Pierre-Paul openly pondered if retirement was next. However, according to a recent Instagram post by the pass rusher, it appears the pending free agent wants to continue playing.

Early in the season, the 12-year veteran tore his rotator cuff and broke his finger. Pierre-Paul’s finger healed, but he played without full usage of his shoulder all season. That’s just the latest in a long line of injuries for Pierre-Paul in his NFL career. After losing to the Rams, the 33-year old wasn’t ready to commit to a 13th season.

“I don’t know,” Pierre-Paul said when asked if he wants to keep playing. “We’ll see after my surgery.”

But, after seeing his son’s desire to see the outside linebacker bring home another ring, Pierre-Paul seems prepared to return. The only questions is, for what team? Recovery from rotator cuff surgery is lengthy, and Pierre-Paul won’t be healthy during free agency. With his injury history, passing a physical will be imperative before signing. As a result, Pierre-Paul might be a summer free agent signing, perhaps even right before training camp.

Will the Bucs be in the mix for his services? That remains to be seen. Tampa Bay has a long offseason ahead of them, including several more important re-signings than Pierre-Paul. They’d undoubtedly like him back, but the cost will need to be affordable. And Pierre-Paul needs to be 100 percent healthy too.