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NFL agent Zeke Sandhu tweets that free agent linebacker Marcus Dowtin has signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Dowtin is a second-year pro that spent most of his rookie season as a member of the New York Jets, where the 2012 undrafted free agent played for new Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. He appeared in three games for the Jets during the 2012 season, recording two tackles in spot duty and drawing a $15,750 fine for an October 28 hit on Miami quarterback Matt Moore.
In college, Dowtin finished his career at North Alabama after transferring from Georgia. He recorded 131 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception in his three years with the Bulldogs. An excellent athlete, the 6'2", 230-pound Dowtin recorded a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10'2" broad jump at his pro day workout last spring. He finished his rookie season as a member of Philadelphia's practice squad, and was only released yesterday; clearly, Pettine wanted this kid in town.
Dowtin profiles as a weak-side linebacker at the NFL level thanks mostly to his size. The Bills were hurting for athleticism at linebacker before today, however; they appear to have added some to the mix this afternoon.