BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have re-signed veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander to a one-year contract.

The signing Wednesday comes as no surprise after both sides ended the season openly discussing the likelihood of the 35-year-old returning for a fourth season in Buffalo.

Alexander is a 12-year NFL veteran who said he wanted to play one more season and preferred it being in Buffalo.

He provides the Bills versatility because he is able to play various defensive and special teams positions. He also is a respected team leader, who will be asked to further fill that role following defensive tackle Kyle Williams' retirement.

Alexander finished last year with 6 1/2 sacks and a career-best two interceptions while starting eight of 16 games.

The Bills also re-signed offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles to a one-year contract. The fourth-year player signed with Buffalo in late September, and had five starts in 12 games.