The free agent visitor stickers were being handed out at One Bills Drive Friday as one free agent from each side of the ball were visiting with Bills coaches and front office staff. Buffalo welcomed free agent RB Anthony Dixon and LB Brandon Spikes to the facility.
Spikes (6-3, 249) is an intimidating linebacker in every sense of the word. A physical presence at inside linebacker for the New England Patriots the past four seasons, Spikes was third on the team in tackles with 86 in 2013 making 12 starts. He had a career-high 22 tackles against Cincinnati last October and an interception.
A four-year starter Spikes finished second on the team in tackles in 2012 with 128. Spikes is likely seen as the type of middle linebacker who could allow the Bills to move Kiko Alonso to the weak side for the 2014 season to take better advantage of his athleticism. A former second-round pick of the Patriots (2010), Spikes turns 27 in September.
Dixon (6-1, 233) is a power back in every sense of the word, but was stuck behind Frank Gore and the versatile Kendall Hunter on the San Francisco 49ers depth chart.
The former sixth-round pick (2010 draft) has never missed a game in his four-year career as he has been a fixture on the 49ers special teams units. His rushing attempts have mostly come late in games and on short yardage situations. He has 148 carries in his career for 458 yards (3.1 avg.) and eight touchdowns.
Buffalo head coach Doug Marrone has talked more than once about adding a true power back to Buffalo's second-ranked rushing attack behind C.J. Spiller and veteran Fred Jackson. Dixon will also turn 27-years old this September.
UPDATES:
#Bills free agent visit with LB Brandon Spikes and RB Anthony Dixon continue with team personnel tonight. #NFLFreeAgency — Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) March 14, 2014
Free agent RB Dixon says he's a Bill http://t.co/xyUFSudgdv — Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) March 15, 2014
Report: FA LB Spikes agrees to deal w/Bills http://t.co/Mkwp1JmoBw — Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) March 15, 2014
