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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hosting Robert Ayers for a visit this evening, according to Adam Caplan. The veteran defensive end is essentially the only edge rusher left on the market, and the Bucs need to find an upgrade for their pass rush somewhere.
Ayers has just 26 sacks in his seven-year NFL career, but a whopping nine of those came last season with the New York Giants -- and that in just twelve games, too. Pro Football Focus liked his play so much that they have him as the third-best edge rusher to hit free agency this year. He's both a quality run defender and a reliable pass rusher, at least if his last few years are a solid indicator.
The fact that the Giants let him walk would normally be a little worrisome, but given that they re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul and then went all-out and gave Olivier Vernon the richest defensive end deal in history, means it's most likely just a money thing.
At 30 years old, Ayers won't be a long-term solution. But he may just represent a solid boost for the Buccaneers defensive line this season, while they find a long-term starter in the draft.