The Buffalo Bills have confirmed that they have signed linebacker Brandon Spikes and running back Anthony Dixon.

Spikes was allowed to test the free-agent market after spending four seasons with the New England Patriots, while Dixon joins the club after a four-year spell with the San Francisco 49ers.

"I wanted someone that wanted me, first and foremost, and wanted to put me to work," Dixon told the club's official website.

"I came down here, I felt the love and that's exactly what coach said. I loved [general manager] Doug [Whaley] and I loved coach [Marrone] and fell in love with them all at dinner last night. I'm ready to go."

Spikes added on Twitter: "Gotta silence the lambs, get on my Buffalo Bill! #51 #BILLSMAFIA taking back the #AFCEAST #PoWwWwW."

The Bills finished with a 6-10 record in the AFC East in the 2013 season.