Buccaneers unconcerned about Pierre-Paul skipping OTAs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has yet to gel with his new teammates, but it doesn't seem to be much of a concern to anyone involved.

Pierre-Paul, who spent his first eight seasons with the New York Giants, was acquired by the Bucs in a March 22 trade.

The two-time Pro Bowler has yet to attend organized team activities (OTAs) but the Bucs aren't worried about one of their key acquisitions.

"We'd love to have everybody here. That's a perfect world, and we don't live in a perfect world, unfortunately," head coach Dirk Koetter said to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

Vinny Curry, who signed a three-year, $23-million deal with Tampa Bay in March after helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII, doesn't have a problem with Pierre-Paul missing OTAs either.

"Naw, especially a guy like him. You've gotta think about it - respect isn't given, it's earned, and his resume speaks for itself," Curry said. "So you know a guy that's been in the league at the top of the mountain for 95 percent of his career - 5 percent due to injury - so you already know what he's bringing, how he's coming."

Pierre-Paul was once considered one of the NFL's premier edge talents before a horrific hand injury stunted his career. With a change of scenery, however, the Bucs hope Pierre-Paul blossoms and puts his talent on full display when the regular season inches closer.

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