The Jacksonville Jaguars have missed out on signing Robert Ayers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The 31-year old defensive end was originally drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Denver Broncos, but spent the last two seasons with the New York Giants.
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
Robert Ayers has accumulated just 26 sacks in his seven-year career, but nine of these sacks came in 12 games last season with the Giants. Ayers stepped up as a defensive leader in Jason Pierre-Paul's absence from the field, earning himself a reputation as a big name 2016 free agent in the process. Ayers is a quality run defender and a tenacious pass rusher -- a free agency score the Jaguars desperately needed after losing out on the Olivier Vernon contest.
By combining free agency additions Robert Ayers and Malik Jackson with the return of former first round pick Dante Fowler Jr, the Jaguars' pass rush could have significantly improved for the 2016 NFL season. Instead, we look to this year's draft.