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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made two major moves Saturday afternoon as they reported release defensive end Robert Ayers and sign recently released defensive end Vinny Curry of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Source: the Bucs have released veteran DE Robert Ayers.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 17, 2018
Ayers was due a $1-Million bonus on Sunday. The veteran defensive end was a very serviceable player in 2016 after signing with Tampa Bay as a free agent as he posted 6.5 sacks. Last season was a bit different as his production fell overall, leading to only two sacks.
Shortly after the Ayers news broke, Jenna Laine of ESPN broke the news that Curry has been signed and will don the pewter and red.
Source tells me Vinny Curry is heading to the Bucs on a three-year deal for up to $27 million with $11.5 million injury guarantee. https://t.co/urIDc8kzra
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 17, 2018
This is a huge signing for a Buccaneers team that has been in dire need of a pass-rushing defensive end.
The 29-year-old Curry was released Friday after Philadelphia loaded up the defensive line this past week in free agency. He was released after the Eagles asked for him to take a pay cut and he declined.
Curry finished the 2017 season with 42 combined tackles and three sacks. He joins former Eagles teammate and recently signed Beau Allen on Tampa Bay’s revamped defensive line.