Rochdale have signed Conor Shaughnessy on an 18-month deal, after Leeds United released the midfielder from his contract at Elland Road.
The 24-year-old joined Leeds on a development deal in 2016 after leaving Reading and he signed a professional deal a year later.
However, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international played just 15 first-team games, the most recent in 2018.
"There were a few clubs interested," Shaughnnessy told the Rochdale website.
"But I had a really good conversation with the manager here about the way he plays.
"I've watched a few games, seen the style of play, and it's really attractive football to me. It suits me as a player and how I like to play, so it was quite an easy decision."
Shaughnessy had loan spells at Burton Albion, Hearts and Mansfield Town during his time with Leeds.