The Bills have been assigned ex-Eagles linebacker Marcus Dowtin on waivers, BuffaloBills.com reported on Friday.
The Eagles waived Dowtin and three other players on Thursday, including linebacker Ryan Rau, whom the Browns claimed Friday.
The 6-2, 226-pound Dowtin had stints with the Jets and Eagles a season ago. Mike Pettine, who was the Jets’ defensive coordinator in 2012, now holds the same position in Buffalo.
Dowtin could compete for a reserve role on defense as well as a niche as a special teams contributor. He had four special teams tackles (two solo, two assists) in his three games with the Jets in the 2012 regular season. The Jets listed him as a third-string “Mike” linebacker -- the role David Harris plays in the club’s 3-4 scheme.
Dowtin played collegiately at Georgia (2008-2010) and North Alabama (2011). The Jets signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He was fined for hitting Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore in the head in a game with the Jets in October.