One day after signing Veteran defensive end Robert Ayers, the Lions have released him in an unclear manner.
Detroit signed the former Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers player in a one year deal on Monday. Ayers attended a pre-match practice session the same day but declined to talk to reporters about the contract. He later posted a message on Instagram that indicated he was ready for a 10th NFL season.
On Tuesday, the Lions started practices with general manager Bob Quinn present but with no sight of Ayers. The senior coach spent most of his time at the sidelines talking over the phone.
Later that afternoon, the Lions announced Ayers would not be joining them any longer. No explanation was given as to why. Attempts to get a comment from either Ayers or the Lions were unsuccessful.
Before the Tuesday practice session, head coach Matt Patricia was full of praises for Ayers and had said he was eager to meet the former New York Giants player.
Following his release, the 32-year-old defensive end player is back on free agent market. Previous to the contract with Lions, Falcons, Saints, and Panthers had showed interest in the player.
