On Thursday the news came down that linebacker Dont’a Hightower will miss the remainder of the 2017 season and with it came the flurry of trade possibilities and free agent signings the Patriots could potentially make to replace him.
Since this is how the sports world works in 2017, former linebacker Akeem Ayers, who won Super Bowl XLIX with the team, added some fuel to the rumor fire with an “eye emoji” tweet that prompted speculation on social media he is considering a return to Foxborough.
https://twitter.com/akeem_ayers/status/923598527963398144
Ayers, who turned 28 back in July, has been a free agent this season since being cut by the Indianapolis Colts back in training camp. Last year he recorded 18 tackles, two sacks and an interception with the Colts. He spent the 2015 season with the Rams.
During the 2014 season in New England, Ayers logged four sacks, an interception and 22 total tackles in nine games with the Patriots after following midseason trade from the Tennessee Titans.
This isn’t the first time Ayers was rumored to return, as he worked out for the team back in September just before the regular season began.
Should the Patriots chose to forgo signing Ayers but instead persue a trade with another NFL team, they have until 4pm on October 31st.
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