Seemingly not a fit in the Tennessee Titans new scheme under first-year defensive coordinator Ray Horton, it appears that former second-round pick Akeem Ayers has been traded to the New England Patriots.
Been told #Titans are trading LB Akeem Ayers to the #Patriots. The only thing that would prevent is a failed physical
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 21, 2014
Ayers, who started 43 games in his first three NFL seasons, has played a total of 10 snaps in two games this year.
The UCLA product had played both strong-side and middle linebacker with the Titans in the past. But their transition to a 3-4 scheme under Horton just didn’t seem to work out too well for Ayers.
CBS Sports’ insider Jason La Canfora has full details of the trade.
So, actually the Pats just trade a 6th round pick to the Titans for Ayers and a 7th round pick. He hadn't been playing. Pats need LB help
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 21, 2014
Last season saw Ayers put up Pro Football Focus’ fourth-best grade among 4-3 outside linebackers. While it remains to be seen what role he will play in the Patriots hybrid defensive front, the team is in need of linebacker help. It also doesn’t hurt that the Patriots simply traded down one round late in the 2015 NFL draft for Ayers’ services.
Photo: NFL.com