We learned on Thursday that the Bills have decided to move promising second-year linebacker Kiko Alonso to the weak side. On Friday, we found out who will start next to him.
Free-Agent Tracker
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NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Friday that Brandon Spikes agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year contract. Breer cited a source who has spoken to Spikes.
The deal is worth $3.25 million, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, according to a source who has seen it.
New Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz surely got a positive recommendation from Bills defensive line coach Pepper Johnson, who was Spikes' linebackers coach with the Patriots the last two years. Spikes should play in more three-linebacker looks for Buffalo than he did in New England.
Spikes is a rare run-stopper. He attacks the line of scrimmage with violence and shakes off blockers with ease. He was forced to accept a one-year deal in free agency because he's a player who doesn't quite fit in today's NFL. Spikes struggles on passing downs, and Bill Belichick usually took him off the field in clear passing situations.
Spikes likely wants the chance to prove he's a three-down player and then hit the market again next season. We love the low-risk, high-ceiling addition for Buffalo. After a free-agent period spent going after role players like cornerback Corey Graham and linebacker Keith Rivers, Spikes is a pickup with a chance to make a big impact.
Former San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixonalso tweeted Friday that he agreed to a deal with Buffalo. Dixon figures to primarily be a special teamer.
The "Around The League Podcast" breaks down all the free-agency moves and hands out a fleet of high-octane sandwiches.
