J.P. Losman to play in new league

BUFFALO, N.Y., July 22 (UPI) -- Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman has signed to play for Las Vegas in the fledgling United Football League, ESPN.com said.

The 22nd overall pick by the Bills in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Tulane said he left Buffalo because he wanted to be a starter rather than a backup.

The unrestricted free agent passed for 33 touchdowns and 6,211 yards in parts of five NFL seasons.

"You've got to be blind not to see this guy can play quarterback," Las Vegas and former NFL coach Jim Fassel told ESPN. "And if he does his job this year and everything works out, I'll be the happiest guy in the world. He'll make the commitment and (I will) too."

By signing with Las Vegas, the 6-foot-2 inch native of Venice, Calif., instantly became the face of the UFL, which starts in October.

Trent Edwards is Buffalo's projected starter for the 2009 season.