The Indianapolis Colts announced today that they have agreed to terms with outside linebacker Akeem Ayers. In order to make room on the roster for Ayers, the team cut recently-signed cornerback Neiko Thorpe.
Ayers was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and in 75 career games (57 starts) he has recorded 337 tackles, 13.5 sacks, three picks, 20 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. He has also added eleven special teams tackles. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Titans (2011-2014), then was traded to the New England Patriots in 2014 before joining the St. Louis Rams for 2015. He was with them in the offseason and training camp this year before being cut as a part of the final roster cutdown. Last year, he played in all 16 games (starting 10) and racked up 68 tackles, 0.5 sacks, five passes defensed, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries.
The Colts are continuing to look for help at outside linebacker, as it's arguably the biggest weakness on their roster. The fact that they kept just four players at the position through final cuts suggested that they would be looking to add help through the cuts from other teams, and that's what they've done with Ayers. He doesn't solve the issues, but the team is hoping that he can at least help.
To make room for him, the Colts cut Neiko Thorpe, who they claimed off of waivers from the Raiders on Sunday. It's unfortunate for Thorpe that he only lasted two days with the Colts, but perhaps it gives a good sign for Darius Butler's health for Indianapolis.
Also, the Colts signed cornerback Frankie Williams to their practice squad, bringing the unit up to the ten player maximum. Williams made the initial 53-man roster but was waived yesterday.