Dolphins to visit with Robert Ayers

The Miami Dolphins continue to rebuild a defense that under-performed last year and has seen multiple starters leave South Florida this offseason. While key starters like defensive end Olivier Vernon and cornerback Brent Grimes have left, the Dolphins have added defensive end Mario Williams, cornerback Byron Maxwell, and linebacker Kiko Alonso. They are not done addressing the defensive side of the ball.

Man to watch today is DE Robert Ayers. Planned to do a little mini tour of the Sunshine State. Bucs first, then Dolphins. @NFLonFOX

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 10, 2016

The Dolphins currently have Cameron Wake and Mario Williams as the starting defensive ends, assuming Wake is fully recovered from his torn Achilles tendon. The team's third defensive end, Derrick Shelby, who rotated into the game to keep Wake fresh and took over the starting position after Wake's injury, signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, creating a hole for the Dolphins to fill.

Ayers, who will turn 31 just after the start of the season, was a first round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2009. He spent five years with Denver before a two-year stint with the New York Giants. He has 26 career sacks with 12 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries with a touchdown, and 210 tackles.