Vikings Worked Out Five Players Including DEs Robert Ayers & Lamarr Houston

According to Howard Balzer, the Minnesota Vikings brought in five free agents including Robert Ayers and Lamarr Houston.

The full list of tryouts includes:

1. DE Robert Ayers
2. DE Terrence Fede
3. DE Jonathan Wynn
4. LB Tyrone Holmes
5. LB Lamarr Houston

Of this group, the Vikings signed Wynn to their practice squad.

Ayers, 32, is a former first-round pick of the Broncos back in 2009. He spent five seasons in Denver before signing on with the Giants in 2014. After two years in New York, the Buccaneers signed Ayers to a three-year, $19.5 million contract that includes $10.5 million guaranteed.

Ayers was set to make a base salary of $5 million for the 2018 season when the Buccaneers released him back in March. The Lions signed him to a contract last month but released him after one day with the team.

In 2017, Ayers appeared in 12 games for the Buccaneers and recorded 31 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Buccaneers. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 10 pass rusher out of 106 qualifying players.

We have him featured in our Top 50 Available 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Houston, 30, is a former second-round pick of the Raiders back in 2010. After four years in Oakland, the Bears signed Houston to a five-year, $35 million contract that included $15 million guaranteed.

The Bears placed Houston on injured reserve during the preseason and later released him with an injury settlement. Houston had a brief stint with the Texans before he was waived late last season and claimed by the Bears.

In 2017, Houston appeared in 10 games for the Texans and Bears and recorded 17 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble, a recovery returned for a touchdown and a pass defense.