Giants Beef Up Defensive Line, Lock Up Ex-Bronco Ayers For 2 Years

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Giants have found their replacement for Justin Tuck.

Robert Ayers, who had 5 1/2 sacks for the Denver Broncos last season, signed a two-year contract with New York on Wednesday, plugging a hole left by Tuck, who signed with the Oakland Raiders a few weeks ago.

Ayers, 28, played the previous five seasons in Denver, registering 12.5 sacks and 102 solo tackles.

And he's clearly happy to be a Giant.

"I've heard nothing but good things about the general manager and the owners, the coaches. Everyone speaks highly of them across the league. They're a blue-collar organization, and I'm looking forward to being part of that," Ayers said in a statement issued by the Giants. "I left the Denver Broncos, who were a good organization, and I feel like I'm going to just as good or better of an organization. It's going to be good to come here and be with leaders like Jon Beason and Antrel Rolle and Eli (Manning). It's going to be a good experience for me, and hopefully I can help this team win."

The 6-foot-3, 274-pounder will join an end rotation including Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka and Damontre Moore.

The signing was yet another indication of Giants general manager Jerry Reese's desire to put last season's 7-9 disappointment in the rearview mirror. So far this offseason, despite having a moderate amount of salary cap space, Reese has found a way to sign several solid veterans, including a new starting running back in Rashad Jennings, a starting cornerback in Dominique Rodgers-Cromarte, capable corner Walter Thurmond, wide receiver Mario Manningham, and offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.

Reese also re-signed linebacker Beason, safety Stevie Brown and running Peyton Hillis, among others.

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