10:06 pm: ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that Spikes’ deal with Buffalo is for one year and $3.25MM (via Twitter).
9:39 pm: Linebacker Brandon Spikes has agreed to a deal with the Bills, reports John Wawrow of the Associated Press (via Twitter).
Spikes was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, playing in 51 games (with 39 starts) over the past four seasons. He fell out of favor with his former team, however, saying recently that he thinks both sides would benefit from a fresh start.
A run-stopping specialist, Spikes ranked first among inside linebackers against the run in both 2012 and 2013, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
With the Bills, Spikes looks poised to take over the middle linebacker job, as the team intends to move Kiko Alonso to the weak side linebacker spot in 2014, tweets Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. The 26-year-old will also be reunited with longtime Patriots coach Pepper Johnson, who is coaching the Bills’ defensive line in 2014.
Along with running back Anthony Dixon, who also signed the Bills tonight, Spikes had been in Buffalo visiting with the team. General manager Doug Whaley apparently made both players offers they couldn’t refuse.