Buffalo Bills expected to sign veteran safety Jim Leonhard

Safety Jim Leonhard is expected to sign with the Buffalo Bills. (NFL via Getty Images)

Veteran safety Jim Leonhard is expected to sign with the Buffalo Bills, according to Bills' reporter Chris Brown. Leonhard was in Buffalo on Monday to take a physical exam to complete the signing.

The Bills have been hindered by injury at the safety position so far this preseason. Bills safety Jairus Byrd has a bothersome plantar fascia and may miss the first few weeks of the regular season and Leonhard's signing adds depth at the safety position.

Leonhard, who was recently released by the New Orleans Saints, started his career in Buffalo as an undrafted free agent out Wisconsin. Leonhard reunites with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine with whom Leonhard enjoyed some of his best years in the league playing for. Leonhard's stint with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 and New York Jets from 2009 to 2011 saw the safety start in 53 of 56 games while recording 254 tackles and four interceptions.

Leonhard has played eight season in the NFL with the Bills, Ravens, Jets and Denver Broncos.

Bills head coach Doug Marrone commented on the signing:

“I think we’re always looking to upgrade this team, no matter what position it is,” said Marrone. “I think you’ll see that going through the season week to week. If there’s someone out there that we feel can better this football team, then we have to look at what those moves may be. I think that’s our responsibility as an organization to our fans and it’s our responsibility as coaches to our team.”