The Patriots made a minor move on Wednesday, sending linebacker Kole Ayi to the St. Louis Rams for an undisclosed future draft pick, according to an item in the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Ayi, who is a Nashua, N.H., native and UMass product, had re-signed with the Patriots on June 21, the same day Roman Phifer returned. Ayi began the 2001 season in St. Louis and played in the Rams first six games. The 6-1, 231-pound linebacker was released on Oct. 23 and signed to the Rams practice squad a day later.
After the New York Giants picked him up on Oct. 25, he spent three games among the Giants inactives before being let go again. The Patriots signed Ayi on Nov. 15 and he suited up on special teams for the Sunday night affair against the Rams in Foxborough on Nov. 18. He recorded no statistics for the Patriots in the 24-17 loss and was inactive the following week against the Saints before being placed on injured reserve with a leg injury Nov. 29.
In seven career games, Ayi made eight special teams tackles (all with the Rams). He did receive a Super Bowl ring as part of the World Champion Patriots despite being injured and missing the postseason.
Ayi's departure leaves the Patriots roster at 81, including unsigned draft picks.
