PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Safety Ainsley Battles signed with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, bolstering their young defensive secondary.

Battles is a three-year veteran who spent the last two seasons with Jacksonville. He broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Pittsburgh in 2000.

He has started in 17 of 45 games he has appeared in, recording 75 tackles and three interceptions. His best season came in 2001 when he started 11 games with the Jaguars and recorded 46 tackles and 2 interceptions.

Battles, who practiced shortly after signing, can play both safety positions and will be given the opportunity to compete for a backup role behind starters Coy Wire and Pierson Prioleau. Wire is coming off a promising rookie season, while Prioleau was a first-time starter last year.

After considering offers from several teams, Battles selected the Bills because they provided him an immediate chance to play.

“Looking at the situation here, my No. 1 thing is I want to contribute,” Battles said. “I just don’t want to be on the roster.”

It helps that he’s familiar with Bills president Tom Donahoe, who held the same role in Pittsburgh when the Steelers signed Battles.

Battles had re-signed with the Jaguars last spring before being cut following the draft after Jacksonville selected two defensive backs, including second-rounder Rashean Mathis.