Defensive end Robert Ayers has signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers per NFL Network media insider Ian Rapoport. His new contract carries with it $10.5 million in guarantees and keeps him with the team through 2018. Ayers spent the past two seasons with the New York Giants after spending five seasons with the Denver Broncos.
The #Bucs have agreed to terms with former #Giants DE Robert Ayers on a 3-year deal worth $21M, source said, with $10.5M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2016
Tampa Bay Bucs Sign Robert Ayers to 3-Year Deal
Ayers played in 12 games last season and battled with multiple injuries during the season. When he was on the field he was very productive, recording a career-high 9.5 sacks and 30 tackles. He was a bright spot on one of the worst defenses in the league.
Despite a slew of injuries, Ayers had the two most productive seasons of his career during the last two seasons with the Giants. In his first season in New York, he was a reserve player but shined during his limited time on the field, racking up five sacks. His play elevated him to a starting position during his second season, where he led the team in sacks. During his five years in Denver, he recorded a total of 12 sacks. He signed a 2-year, $4 million contract with the Giants as a free agent in 2014.
Ayers has never been an elite pass rusher, but he is coming off a career year and he picked a great time to perform well. He turns 31 in September and his health is the biggest question mark. He has only played in 16 games once during his seven-year career.
Ayers grew up in New Jersey and moved to South Carolina during high school. After becoming an All-State linebacker, he committed to the University of Tennessee. He made the transition to defensive end during his sophomore year and did not earn a starting position until his senior year. After recording 49 tackles, three sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss during his final collegiate season, Ayers was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
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