Giants agree to terms with DE Robert Ayers

Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Fox Sports 1 insider Mike Garafolo reports that 28-year old defensive end Robert Ayers will join the Giants on a two-year contract worth $4 million. Ayers first met with the team yesterday, but it obviously didn’t take long to find common ground. He will be the 14th new body added to the Giants roster via free agency, albeit the first along the defensive front.

Drafted by Denver in 2009, Ayers has served as predominantly a disciplined edge setter against the run. He produced his best statistical year in 2013, earning Pro Football Focus grades of 11.5 in run defense (25 solo tackles) and 3.9 when rushing the quarterback (5.5 sacks). Ayers has posted a positive run D grade in each of his five seasons.

Ayers will join Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka and Damontre Moore as the only defensive ends on the current depth chart. Depending on the development course of the talented (but raw) Moore, Ayers could be in line for heavy snap count in 2014. Then again, the Giants can always be counted on to stockpile pass rushers during the NFL draft. The D-line has holes that need filling, that is for sure.