Sleeper Free Agents
February 16th, 2016
Is Giants free agent DE Robert Ayers a “sleeper?”
Goodness knows the Bucs need an edge rusher and should not even think of stopping at just one in the draft. They should supplement this roster crater from free agency, as well.
Joe understands Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht wants to be responsible and tempered with Team Glazer’s checkbook when the free agency dinner bell rings March 9. It is understandable how Licht may mine for value over splash.
Now Sam Monson, one of the imaginary cake bakers over at PFF, typed a column for BSPN about what he believes are the best sleeper free agents in the projected pool. Among these sleepers is Giants DE Robert Ayers.
Ayers has quietly become an excellent player, but he has played in the shadow of Jason Pierre-Paul. This season, he had 9.5 sacks and 48 total pressures on just 581 snaps. Over the past two seasons, he had 14.5 sacks and 79 additional pressures — among the best edge rushers in football. Maybe it’s time for somebody to increase his playing time.
Here is the problem: While this all looks good, is Ayers a one-year wonder? He damned near doubled his previous best year last season, which just happened to be a contract year. If Ayers, who will be 31 in September, signs a nice deal, would the Bucs be buying high, hoping his nine sacks is the norm?
If embattled Giants general manager Jerry Reese decides to keep a defensive end with half a hand over Ayers, it sort of screams that the Giants believe Ayers’ 2015 season was a fluke.
February 16th, 2016 at 12:05 pm
JPP’s days in Giant Blue are over so why wouldn’t they just resign Ayers?
February 16th, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Ayers is going to ask to be overpaid and some team will do it.
February 16th, 2016 at 12:15 pm
This has Michael “Ghost” Johnson written all over it!!!
February 16th, 2016 at 12:20 pm
Why not go after JPP. Is he not a free agent this year or heading into his last year???
Don’t the Giants need to groom a replacement for Eli???
MG for JPP and a Draft pick???
Just a thought IDK nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night
February 16th, 2016 at 12:26 pm
Joe, have been saying Mo. Wilkerson from day-one…..if he’s not franchised by the Jets..would love him over mario williams…younger, better at this point than Mario.
February 16th, 2016 at 12:53 pm
JAB83 JPP is a free agent no need to trade for him.. Feelthepewterpower I am with you on Mo Wilkerson would love to have him here in Tampa but he will be tagged at one point probably on the last day that teams can tag players
February 16th, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Again i say, sign Vernon n Hardy, Coach Joe will get em right…listen if Hardy is cleared to play then i want him. Understand something…I’m a grown man. Don’t watch anything but the pros., in any sport. To me, modern day gladiators…i love the spectacle!
I want players who will do ANYTHING in between the respective line to get it done. They live that “life”
I want to win. I sold peanuts in the OL’Sombrero in the late 78, boy scouts
Fan forever
YO JOE!
GO BUCS!!!
February 16th, 2016 at 1:11 pm
We’ll see AC…..he likely will be, but never know..Suh wasn’t franchised either…
February 16th, 2016 at 2:07 pm
The Jets will tag Wilkerson, but a trade (They need help all over the Offensive side of the ball) and draft pick(s) I think we can get him.
February 16th, 2016 at 2:17 pm
Hmm, sounds a lot like the hype we were fed with Mike Johnson
February 16th, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Why not? Joe can count on the three fingers on JPP’s right hand why not.
February 16th, 2016 at 3:31 pm
The Jets drafted Wilkerson’s replacement last years draft. Not so surer gets tagged people.
February 16th, 2016 at 3:35 pm
They took the kid from sc alot of folks round here were pining for for a reason. Tells me they don’t wanna pay Wilkerson.
February 16th, 2016 at 3:49 pm
I dont get the love for JPP. The guy has 3 fingers and had 1 sack in 8 games. That is absolutely not what you want to pay for if you are trying to keep your GM job.
February 16th, 2016 at 4:33 pm
deja vu, no thanks.
February 16th, 2016 at 4:45 pm
I’d prefer we just stay away from any FA DEs… The last one to do anything was Mr. Rice..
Wasn’t George “Sackless” Johnson a sleeper?
February 16th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
I want players who will do ANYTHING in between the respective line to get it done.
Hardy is an unrepetant miscreant who didn’t help Dallas. Did you see how he reacted to the fans here in Tampa.
It’s not just on the field…off the field counts as well these days. Just as you can’t count on guys who can’t get out of the hot tub and training room with their injuries…it’s even harder to count on guys who get suspended.
And then there’s the Burfict scenario…when they do play they commit bone headed penalities that cost you a playoff game!!
Von Miller is a class act!!! There are many GREAT players like Miller who don’t act like thugs off the field. Why not shoot for them?
February 16th, 2016 at 6:26 pm
@stPete
I would love to have miller in a Bucs jersey but he ain’t going nowhere. Vernon is young n Hardy is a monster on the field. I don’t judge off field stuff. We ALL COULD BE BETTER PEOPLE. Giving fans crap, who cares! I hate that people can cry foul if a player or coach gets emotional, says something honest. PC police come out…expressing YOUR feelings on THEM for theirs. Really
February 16th, 2016 at 7:12 pm
DE Robert Ayers???? What is it with wanting players with only a couple years of playing time left????
At least aim for 28 or younger!
February 16th, 2016 at 7:13 pm
@McClorasMaddenDaddy210
Hardy was also a huge problem in the locker room.
You know things are bad if Jerry Jones gives up on you.
February 16th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Yea, i didn’t know that bout hardy. Then i would pass on him IF he’s not a good fit for us. I just want some true TRUE MONSTERS out there for us. I see people who want Super Mario but idk, they say he’s a quitter. I’ll pass. We have enough of them
February 16th, 2016 at 8:12 pm
DE Robert Ayers (30) is far from a sleeper FA. He is widely regarded as the fourth best edge defender available in FA this year. Ayers brings a relentless pass-rush and is a decent run defender. In his two years with the Giants, Ayers has racked up 94 pressures (15 sacks, 25 hits, and 54 hurries) on 602 pass rushes—one of the most productive 4-3 defensive ends on a per snap basis over that spell. The problem is the Giants are probably going to lose JPP which means they need Ayers’ services even more.
Projected contract: 3 years, $18 million with $9 million guaranteed
Bonzi’s comment “What is it with wanting players with only a couple years of playing time left?” Because there are only four or five quality DE who will actually hit the market this year. Ayers is one of them and we should not shy away from signing him at his cost compared to others.
February 17th, 2016 at 9:24 am
There’s no way i bring in a scum bag like Hardy if I’m Licht. There are better options out there. Cmon folks, are we that dam desperate to trade our soul to the devil for sum sacks??? Pay Vernon what he wants and draft a couple DE’s.