Jason Pierre-Paul “couldn’t imagine” not being with New York Giants

The New York Giants made the signing of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a long-term contract reported to be four years, $62 million with $40 million guaranteed official Friday afternoon. In a statement released by the team, JPP said he “couldn’t imagine” playing for a different team.

“This is where I wanted to be,” Pierre-Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine me being anywhere else. I’m back for four years and I’m ready to get after it.

“It means a lot to me, because I started here, and obviously I want to finish here. I’ve seen a lot of guys come and go, especially in my (draft) class. I’m the only one left in my class here. It means a lot. We won a Super Bowl here, and I’m looking forward to putting a fifth trophy in the case.”

A smiling, svelte Pierre-Paul signed his contract Friday at the Giants’ East Rutherford, N.J. headquarters.

“We're happy to get a long-term deal with Jason,” general manager Jerry Reese said.“Not only is he one of our best players, he is one of our leaders.”

In 2016, Pierre-Paul started the first 12 games of the season before missing the final four regular-season games and the NFC Wild Card Game following surgery to repair a core muscle injury. He finished second on the team to Oliver Vernon with 7.0 sacks and had 53 tackles (35 solo), eight passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown.

Pierre-Paul said he will be “way better” in 2017 as he continues to learn how to utilize his damaged hand.

“I’ll be way better,” he said. “Last year, I was still making adjustments. But as time goes on, it’s part of me and I’m going to use it. Every day, I’m learning something new with it.”

John Jerry, Josh Johnson deals announced

The Giants also Friday officially announced the signings of offensive guard John Jerry and backup quarterback Josh Johnson.

Jerry started all 17 games for the Giants at right guard last season, and has started 41 games over the past three seasons in New York.

“John doesn’t say much, but he’s a dependable, tough, hard worker,” general manager Jerry Reese said. “John is a veteran who leads by his work ethic every day.”

Jerry, entering his eighth NFL season, sounded thrilled to be back.

“No doubt about it, this is where I wanted to be the whole time,” Jerry said. “I didn’t care for going anywhere else. This is home for me. Everything about the organization is first class. It’s player-friendly. I like my coaches. I have a camaraderie with my teammates. I’ve built a lot of strong bonds, not just on the field, but off the field with those guys. It’s very important to me to keep that going.”

Johnson joined the team last season as one of two backups for Eli Manning.