He’s big. He’s tough. And he’s mean. Something Tampa has needed on defense for a long time.
Ayers, who signed a three-year $19 and a half million contract in 2015, had a rocky start to the 2016 season, after suffering an ankle injury against the Cardinals in week 2 and missing four consecutive games. Ayers returned in the second week following the Buccaneers Bye.
Robert Ayers, who was coming off a career season with the Giants, fell just shy of his personal high 9.5 sacks, 31 solo tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles. Of course missing those four games with an injury didn’t help him match his best either.
However, in the 12 games he played, Robert Ayers quietly recorded 6.5 sacks, 21 solo tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 forced fumble.
Next season, he can certainly play in all 16 games and there is no doubt that he will continue his solid performance and easily surpass last season’s performance.