The Redskins have signed free agent middle linebacker London Fletcher, the team announced on Saturday.

Fletcher was the Redskins' first priority in free agency. He visited Redskins Park on Friday morning, the first day of free agency, and went to the Washington Wizards-Atlanta Hawks game at Verizon Center on Friday night with team officials.

On Saturday, Fletcher signed his deal with the team.

Fletcher is a nine-year NFL veteran who has played for the Buffalo Bills the last five seasons. In 2006, Fletcher played in all 16 games at middle linebacker, recording team highs with 157 tackles and four interceptions.

In addition, Fletcher scored two touchdowns last season: a five-yard fumble return against New England in Week 1 and a 17-yard interception return against Green Bay in Week 9.

In his career, Fletcher has averaged 122 tackles per season and has logged 27.5 sacks and nine interceptions.

He played for current Redskins assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams in 2002-03 in Buffalo. Williams was head coach of the Bills during that span.

Current Redskins cornerbacks-secondary coach Jerry Gray was Fletcher's defensive coordinator in Buffalo from 2002-05.

Prior to Buffalo, Fletcher played for the St. Louis Rams from 1998-2001. He played for two Super Bowl teams in St. Louis, winning an NFL championship with the Rams in 1999.

He played the 2001 season with Redskins safety Adam Archuleta.

Fletcher has proven to be durable as an NFL player. He has played in all 144 games in his career since he signed with the Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent in 1998.