As expected, linebacker Brandon Spikes is back with the Patriots, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, who is reporting that he has signed a one-year contract.
Spikes visited with the team early this month. He spent four years with New England before being shipped to Buffalo, where he posted a career-low in tackles. A switch by the Bills to a 3-4 defense likely would have had Spikes as the odd man out.
The 27-year-old Spikes contributed to an average of 89 tackles in 2012 and 2013 combined with the Patriots, but managed just 54 with Buffalo a year ago.