The New York Giants have signed veteran defensive lineman Robert Ayers from the Denver Broncos.

Following the loss of Justin Tuck to the Oakland Raiders last month, and Osi Umenyiora leaving the Giants last season, the team have recruited Ayers to play a leading role on their defensive line.

Ayers told Giants.com: "This is a tremendous opportunity for me, coming to a great organization like this. They hate losing and they're always about getting better and preparing and I've heard nothing but good things about the general manager and the owners, the coaches.

"They're a blue-collar organisation, and I'm looking forward to being part of that. I left the Broncos, who were a good organisation, and I feel like I'm going to just as good or better of an organisation.

"It's going to be good to come here and be with leaders like Jon Beason, Antrel Rolle and Eli Manning. It's going to be a good experience for me, and hopefully I can help this team win."

The 28-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2009 Draft by the Broncos, and had a career-best 5.5 sacks last season.