[6] The seventh round pick used to select Ayers was traded from the New York Giants to the Steelers in exchange for punter Brad Wing.
[8] On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Steelers as part of final roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad the next day.
[11] Ayers made his professional debut on December 25, 2016, and caught his first career reception on a nine-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger, helping the Steelers defeat the Baltimore Ravens 31–27.
The following week, he earned his first career start in a 27–24 overtime win over the Cleveland Browns and caught a season-high five passes for 44 receiving yards and caught his first career touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Landry Jones.
[18] On November 9, 2018, Ayers signed with the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) for the 2019 season.
[22] Ayers signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on February 19, 2020.
[23] After the CFL canceled the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayers chose to opt-out of his contract with the Roughriders on August 25, 2020.