QB Rusty Smith Visits Giants; Robert Ayers Admires Justin Tuck

Rusty Smith – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Quarterback Rusty Smith Visits Giants: According to the National Football Post and New York Daily News, unrestricted free agent quarterback Rusty Smith (Tennessee Titans) worked out for the New York Giants on Friday. The 27-year old Smith was drafted by the Titans in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Florida Atlantic University.

In four seasons with the Titans, Smith has only been active three times with one start his rookie season. He has completed 23-of-45 passes for 234 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions (29.3 quarterback rating). Smith has very good size (6’5”, 226 pounds) and a strong arm.

Robert Ayers Admires Justin Tuck: Recently signed unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers (Denver Broncos) says he admires the man he is possibly replacing: defensive end Justin Tuck, who signed with the Oakland Raiders earlier this offseason.

“Justin Tuck was kind of a guy that I idolized for a lot of my career throughout college and even in the NFL,” Ayers said on a SiriusXM Radio on Saturday. “I felt like I could play the same way and be that type of guy.”

Like Tuck, the Broncos have moved Ayers around the defensive line, playing both end spots and sometimes moving inside at defensive tackle in certain situations. Unlike Tuck, the Broncos also played Ayers at linebacker for two seasons.

“(The Giants) didn’t have to sell me too much on (their) scheme,” said Ayers. “The opportunity was there and I felt I could take advantage of it.”

Ayers will wear Tuck’s old jersey number – 91 – the same number he wore in Denver.

Ayers said he received interest from the Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, and Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

“I feel like (the Giants were) a perfect fit,” said Ayers.

Ayers is also glad he is joining ex-Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, receiver returner Trindon Holliday, and center J.D. Walton.

“That’s gonna be huge to have some familiar faces come to New York with me,” said Ayers, “and they were some of the top players on the team.”

Quotes: Antrel Rolle on all of the new free agents the Giants have signed: “(The offseason has) been very explosive. We added some key guys to our program that can definitely help us out and help us win and contribute right away to our plan that we have going on for the 2014 season.”