Chargers let Spikes walk

Dec 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Takeo Spikes (51) runs out of the smoke during pregame introduction before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Takeo Spikes is a seasoned veteran linebacker who came to the Chargers two seasons ago after a three-year stint in San Francisco. Spikes has bounced around from team to team his entire career, in search of the playoffs. He still hasn’t found them yet.

For his career, he has 1,010 total tackles, 29.0 sacks, 19 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, and 3 touchdowns. He was drafted in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft and then led the Cincinnati Bengals in tackles in his rookie season. He’s a two-time All Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection, coming back-to-back in 2003 and 2004.

While with the Chargers, Spikes accrued 117 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He played in 16 games each season with San Diego. Spikes had a base salary of $3 million and a cap hit of $3.7 million. The Chargers have decided that was too much to pay a 36-year old linebacker, so they let him walk today.

Spikes should have no problem finding work elsewhere. He’s a proven leader with 15 years experience under his belt and a solid locker room presence. He’ll likely look to go to a team who will make a playoff run in need of a mentor-type player to a young group of linebackers.

Now it’s time for San Diego to look for a replacement.