Dolphins signing Pierre-Paul off Saints practice squad

The Miami Dolphins are signing pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul off the New Orleans Saints practice squad, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Pierre-Paul confirmed the move Monday on social media.

"I'm coming home," wrote the Florida native, who also thanked the Saints and his teammates.

Pierre-Paul has appeared in one game this season, suiting up on the Sunday after joining the Saints on Nov. 13. The 34-year-old finished the matchup with two tackles while playing 27% of New Orleans' defensive snaps. Miami will reportedly add him to its 53-man roster.

The move comes after the Dolphins lost starting edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a season-ending Achilles injury during Friday's win over the New York Jets. Phillips racked up 6.5 sacks in 2023, tied for a team high.

With Phillips sidelined, Bradley Chubb headlines Miami's pass-rush rotation. Chubb has amassed six sacks and forced four fumbles this season. The AFC East team has also generated pressure from the inside, as defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler have recorded 6.5 and five sacks, respectively.

Pierre-Paul took the NFL by storm early in his career after the New York Giants drafted him 15th overall in 2010. He posted 16.5 sacks in his second pro campaign to earn a first-team All-Pro berth and help the Giants win the Super Bowl that season.

The Dolphins will be Pierre-Paul's fifth career team after the Giants (2010-17), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-21), Baltimore Ravens (2022), and Saints. In Tampa Bay, Pierre-Paul had a solid 2020 season when he earned a Pro Bowl nod while being part of a Super Bowl-winning team.

The Dolphins made the defense one of their offseason priorities in 2023 and brought in veteran coordinator Vic Fangio. Miami's defensive unit lacked consistency to start the season, but the group leads the NFL in EPA/play allowed since star cornerback Jalen Ramsey made his Dolphins debut in Week 8.