Looking to bolster their defensive front the Lions have reportedly signed former first-pick and veteran defensive end Robert Ayers to a one-year deal.
Lions signed former Buccaneers’, Giants’ and Broncos’ defensive Robert Ayers to a one-year deal, per source. More pass-rush help and versatility for the Lions.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2018
With 34.5 career sacks through 120 games and 59 starts, the 32-year-old, Ayers will give the Lions some versatility on the defensive line and hopefully give the team a little more of a threat with the pass rush. Notably the Lions have been the only team in the NFL to not record a sack during their first two preseason games of the season so the addition of Ayers definitely can’t make the situation any worse.
The signing of Ayers also comes just days after the Lions traded for linebacker Eli Harold from the 49ers who’s also expected to help with the pass rush.
There is however a reason why Ayers has gone this long without signing with a team.
Last season with the Buccaneers, Ayers played in just 12 games after dealing with injury and has missed at least four games in four straight seasons. Because of this, Ayers was limited to just two sacks in 12 total games last year but accumulated 15.5 combined between 2016 and 2017.
In addition to Tampa Bay, Ayers has also spent time with the New York Giants and Denver Broncos and should be included in a rotation that will feature Ezekiel Ansah as well as Anthony Zettel, Kerry Hyder and Alex Barrett.
