Takeo Spikes trade appears imminent (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills near a trade of Spikes

Linebacker expected to bring draft pick

By Mark Gaughan NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 03/25/07 8:24 AM

The Buffalo Bills are getting closer to trading linebacker Takeo Spikes, The Buffalo News has learned.

Trade negotiations gained steam Friday and Saturday, and a deal might be consummated within the next day, a league source told The News.

Numerous teams reportedly were interested in acquiring the 30-year-old former Pro Bowler, but which one ultimately would win his services still was not known Saturday night. Spikes is entering what likely would be the final year of his contract with the Bills, and a trade may involve Spikes agreeing to a new contract with his new team. The Bills have an option to pick up the last year of Spikes’ contract, in 2008.

Spikes has been scouting potential trade partners, with the approval of the Bills, who have had him on the trade block. Any willing partner Spikes found, of course, has to meet the Bills’ trade demand, which is expected to be draft-pick compensation.

Finances are playing a big part in the Spikes move, and they are the reason his trade has been expected for weeks.

The Bills have made big free-agent purchases the past month and have committed about $105 million to this year’s player costs, by News estimates. They do not intend to spend more than the NFL salary cap total of $112 million in real dollars this year. (Teams are allowed to spend cash over the cap because signing bonuses can be spread

out over the length of the contract for accounting purposes.)

The Bills still need to spend a lot of money to sign their draft choices. That total could exceed $10 million, depending on how they structure the contracts. They also must keep some money in reserve to replace injured players during the season.

So it’s hard to see how they could avoid spending over the cap in real money with Spikes, who is scheduled to make $4.6 million, on the roster.

The trade of Spikes will be a big vote of confidence for Keith Ellison, the sixth-round draft pick from 2006 who started seven games last year and got good reviews. He’s virtually assured of one of the starting outside linebacker jobs this season. Angelo Crowell will man another starting spot, either in the middle or on the outside. The Bills will have to add someone, either via the draft or free agency or both, to join the starting linebacker corps.

http://www.buffalonews.com/111/story/39588.html

Ellison should benefit the most from this as he'd likely move into a 3-down WLB role, depending on who else they are able to bring in.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Philly please.

 

[phillyfan72]

Philly please.

I totally agree. He is exactly what the Eagles D needs.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Yahoo Link - John Murphy

Mar 25 John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in possibly obtaining Buffalo Bills LB Takeo Spikes, according to a league source. Spikes would need to pass a physical and negotiate a new deal. The source believes the Bills could receive a mid-to-late round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft if both conditions are met. The Eagles would likely move Spikes to the outside if they acquire him. The team could also move him inside and make LB Jeremiah Trotter more of a two-down linebacker.

 

[Zoomanji]

Yahoo Link - John Murphy

Mar 25 John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in possibly obtaining Buffalo Bills LB Takeo Spikes, according to a league source. Spikes would need to pass a physical and negotiate a new deal. The source believes the Bills could receive a mid-to-late round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft if both conditions are met. The Eagles would likely move Spikes to the outside if they acquire him. The team could also move him inside and make LB Jeremiah Trotter more of a two-down linebacker.

Great newsHopefully it happens

 

[CanadianNFLJunkie]

I was thinking the Giants would go after him.

Also Washington, New Orleans, Arizona or San Fran could be places that might be interested.

 

[Keg]

no link but supposedly Spikes and Holcomb to the birds for darwin walker and a conditional pick

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/default.jsp

BIG DEAL! EAGLES GET LB SPIKES

The owners may be away, but that didn't prevent the Eagles from completing a trade Monday night as the team acquired linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb from the Bills in exchange for defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a conditional draft pick in 2008. More details to follow .

edit link added

 

[kylechoffman]

no link but supposedly Spikes and Holcomb to the birds for darwin walker and a conditional pick

check the shark pool - http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/default.jsp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I'm not sure Darwin Walker is the answer to the Bills DT problems, but now they have 5 NFL DTs under contract so it's probably unlikely they burn their 1st round pick on another.

would love to see Patrick Willis to the Bills in round 1 if he's there. Him and Crowell would make a great MLB/WLB tandem for a long time.

Marshawn Lynch definitely seems like a realistic possibility now as well, assuming they don't grab a CB.

I'm not exactly sure how the Eagles LB situation is going to shake out. Any Eagles homers have some insight there?

 

[bcr8f]

Yahoo Link - John Murphy

Mar 25 John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in possibly obtaining Buffalo Bills LB Takeo Spikes, according to a league source. Spikes would need to pass a physical and negotiate a new deal. The source believes the Bills could receive a mid-to-late round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft if both conditions are met. The Eagles would likely move Spikes to the outside if they acquire him. The team could also move him inside and make LB Jeremiah Trotter more of a two-down linebacker.

Great newsHopefully it happens

He's a RFA in Bastages too.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'm not sure Darwin Walker is the answer to the Bills DT problems, but now they have 5 NFL DTs under contract so it's probably unlikely they burn their 1st round pick on another.would love to see Patrick Willis to the Bills in round 1 if he's there. Him and Crowell would make a great MLB/WLB tandem for a long time.Marshawn Lynch definitely seems like a realistic possibility now as well, assuming they don't grab a CB.I'm not exactly sure how the Eagles LB situation is going to shake out. Any Eagles homers have some insight there?

I think it's kind of a Choose Your Own Adventure right now.Is Chris Gocong healthy and ready to play the strong side? If no, Spikes probably fits there. If yes, turn to the page that asks if the Eagles are ready to cut bait on Jeremiah Trotter. If no, then Spikes could land on the weak side. If yes, then turn to the page that asks if the Eagles would rather have Spikes or Omar Gaither inside. Hopefully you never choose the option that leads to Spikes pulling up lame with yet another leg injury.

 

[Rozelle]

Not at all up on the Philly LB situation, but I could see Spikes manning the middle. Doesn't appear to be the same player he was before achilles injury.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Not at all up on the Philly LB situation, but I could see Spikes manning the middle. Doesn't appear to be the same player he was before achilles injury.

I figured the Bills would consider moving him to MLB to take over for Fletcher, but Crowell seemed to be their first choice.I have little doubt he would be a great fit there, but I also think Trotter probably still has something left in the tank.

 

[Keg]

Not at all up on the Philly LB situation, but I could see Spikes manning the middle. Doesn't appear to be the same player he was before achilles injury.

I figured the Bills would consider moving him to MLB to take over for Fletcher, but Crowell seemed to be their first choice.I have little doubt he would be a great fit there, but I also think Trotter probably still has something left in the tank.

i think it will play out as WLB GaitherMLB TrotterSLB Spikesbut it also wouldnt surprise me to see a sorta platoon at MLB with Trotter and Spikes if they think Gocong is ready for the SLB spot(i dont think he is ready for the entire load)....i think we will see quite a few different things with the LBs but the one constant will probably be Gaither getting the nickle snaps and then Spikes and Gocong splitting time in the nickle too...but only time will tell

 

[pinda]

i can't see Spikes as SLB in Philly's scheme, in the Buffalo one he was put there only after he was hurt.

A healthy spikes is more of a Middle/Weakside solution.

 

[bcr8f]

Not at all up on the Philly LB situation, but I could see Spikes manning the middle. Doesn't appear to be the same player he was before achilles injury.

I figured the Bills would consider moving him to MLB to take over for Fletcher, but Crowell seemed to be their first choice.I have little doubt he would be a great fit there, but I also think Trotter probably still has something left in the tank.

What are their plans now? The draft?

 

[Keg]

i can't see Spikes as SLB in Philly's scheme, in the Buffalo one he was put there only after he was hurt.A healthy spikes is more of a Middle/Weakside solution.

IF spikes lands on the Weak Side in philly then imo Trotter is the odd man out(i dont see that happening yet..soon just not yet)...so if you are correct and Spikes lands at WLB it would most likely shake out asWLB SpikesMLB GaitherSLB Gocongwith Trotter used in a situational role...i just dont see it ending up that way...only time will tell

 

[Zoomanji]

Yahoo Link - John Murphy

Mar 25 John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in possibly obtaining Buffalo Bills LB Takeo Spikes, according to a league source. Spikes would need to pass a physical and negotiate a new deal. The source believes the Bills could receive a mid-to-late round choice in the 2007 NFL Draft if both conditions are met. The Eagles would likely move Spikes to the outside if they acquire him. The team could also move him inside and make LB Jeremiah Trotter more of a two-down linebacker.

Great newsHopefully it happens

He's a RFA in Bastages too.

Dude, you have 17 LBs already and we only start 2.

 

[bcr8f]

Dude, you have 17 LBs already and we only start 2.

Is 17 a lot? I wasn't speaking for myself as you are the Eagles fan.

 

[Zoomanji]

Dude, you have 17 LBs already and we only start 2.

Is 17 a lot? I wasn't speaking for myself as you are the Eagles fan.

I have a enough already and LB is not the Philly D strength

 

[bcr8f]

Dude, you have 17 LBs already and we only start 2.

Is 17 a lot? I wasn't speaking for myself as you are the Eagles fan.

I have a enough already and LB is not the Philly D strength

Just trying to help. I'm just trying to get the Bears and Steelers backups in case Briggs leaves. That's why I have their entire rosters on my team.

 

[zadok]

I'm not sure Darwin Walker is the answer to the Bills DT problems, but now they have 5 NFL DTs under contract so it's probably unlikely they burn their 1st round pick on another.would love to see Patrick Willis to the Bills in round 1 if he's there. Him and Crowell would make a great MLB/WLB tandem for a long time.Marshawn Lynch definitely seems like a realistic possibility now as well, assuming they don't grab a CB.I'm not exactly sure how the Eagles LB situation is going to shake out. Any Eagles homers have some insight there?

I think it's kind of a Choose Your Own Adventure right now.Is Chris Gocong healthy and ready to play the strong side? If no, Spikes probably fits there. If yes, turn to the page that asks if the Eagles are ready to cut bait on Jeremiah Trotter. If no, then Spikes could land on the weak side. If yes, then turn to the page that asks if the Eagles would rather have Spikes or Omar Gaither inside. Hopefully you never choose the option that leads to Spikes pulling up lame with yet another leg injury.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Spikes is telling folks he'll play on the weak side.

Speculation has held that Spikes will replace Dhani Jones as the Eagles' strongside starter - he played the strongside this past season - but earlier in his career, Spikes excelled as a weakside playmaker. Vincent said Spikes told him yesterday that he thinks he will be playing the weakside for the Eagles.

There could be much more to the Eagles disenchantment with Jeremiah Trotter than his weight. Or they weren't impressed with Omar Gaither at all down the stretch last season. I tend to think it's the former.

 

[pinda]

Spikes is telling folks he'll play on the weak side.

Speculation has held that Spikes will replace Dhani Jones as the Eagles' strongside starter - he played the strongside this past season - but earlier in his career, Spikes excelled as a weakside playmaker. Vincent said Spikes told him yesterday that he thinks he will be playing the weakside for the Eagles.

There could be much more to the Eagles disenchantment with Jeremiah Trotter than his weight. Or they weren't impressed with Omar Gaither at all down the stretch last season. I tend to think it's the former.

As I mentioned above, I just don't see Spikes fitting into the strong side in Philly.2 down weakside, then moving to the middle on passing downs is more likely if he plays any middle. other than that it'll be 3 down weakside.

 

[Keg]

Spikes is telling folks he'll play on the weak side.

Speculation has held that Spikes will replace Dhani Jones as the Eagles' strongside starter - he played the strongside this past season - but earlier in his career, Spikes excelled as a weakside playmaker. Vincent said Spikes told him yesterday that he thinks he will be playing the weakside for the Eagles.

There could be much more to the Eagles disenchantment with Jeremiah Trotter than his weight. Or they weren't impressed with Omar Gaither at all down the stretch last season. I tend to think it's the former.

if true and gaither lands the middle his future sure could be bright

 

[Jene Bramel]

First official word from Andy Reid. For now, it appears nothing is certain except that Trotter's playing time gets cut way back (if he returns) while Spikes will have a role in the nickel/blitz packages. Reid didn't commit to a starting position for Spikes.

Admitting that the Eagles did not get enough out of their linebackers last season, Reid said that all three starting positions were "wide open," including middle linebacker.

He said Takeo Spikes, acquired in a trade with Buffalo on Monday, could start at any of the three positions and would be part of Jim Johnson's blitz package. But he acknowledged that the Eagles are counting on Spikes to be at full strength more than 18 months after having major surgery on his left Achilles tendon.

Spikes played for the Bills last season but was bothered by a nagging hamstring injury in his left leg, likely a result of the Achilles injury.

Reid agreed with Jeremiah Trotter's assessment earlier this off-season that Trotter needed to slim down for 2007 to alleviate pressure on his aging knees. He also said he would like Trotter to play only about 60 percent of the defensive snaps, rather than the 75 that he played last season.

Omar Gaither, Dedrick Roper and Chris Gocong, who Reid says now weighs 260 pounds, likely will be in the mix at linebacker, too.

"That's a position that we need to play better at," Reid said. "I'm not making promises to anybody right now. That's open competition there."

 

[Zoomanji]

First official word from Andy Reid. For now, it appears nothing is certain except that Trotter's playing time gets cut way back (if he returns) while Spikes will have a role in the nickel/blitz packages. Reid didn't commit to a starting position for Spikes.

Admitting that the Eagles did not get enough out of their linebackers last season, Reid said that all three starting positions were "wide open," including middle linebacker.

He said Takeo Spikes, acquired in a trade with Buffalo on Monday, could start at any of the three positions and would be part of Jim Johnson's blitz package. But he acknowledged that the Eagles are counting on Spikes to be at full strength more than 18 months after having major surgery on his left Achilles tendon.

Spikes played for the Bills last season but was bothered by a nagging hamstring injury in his left leg, likely a result of the Achilles injury.

Reid agreed with Jeremiah Trotter's assessment earlier this off-season that Trotter needed to slim down for 2007 to alleviate pressure on his aging knees. He also said he would like Trotter to play only about 60 percent of the defensive snaps, rather than the 75 that he played last season.

Omar Gaither, Dedrick Roper and Chris Gocong, who Reid says now weighs 260 pounds, likely will be in the mix at linebacker, too.

"That's a position that we need to play better at," Reid said. "I'm not making promises to anybody right now. That's open competition there."

Roper now. Reading another quote (on the main page Eagles 2007 thread) he mentioned Torrence Daniels as a guy who would be in the mix.

QUOTE

Reid: Linebacker spots up for grabs

By PAUL DOMOWITCH

pdomo@aol.com

PHOENIX - Your guess is as good as Andy Reid's right now as far as what the Eagles' starting linebacking corps is going to look like when the season opens in September.

The Eagles coach said this morning that he is not sure where newly acquired Takeo Spikes will end up playing and said the competition for all three linebacker spots is "wide open."

"We'll see," Reid said at the NFC coaches media breakfast at the NFL meetings. "That's a position that we need to play better at. I'm not making promises to anybody right now. That's open competition there. Wide open."

The Eagles acquired Spikes, a former two-time Pro Bowler, from the Buffalo Bills on Monday along with backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb. Spikes, 30, who is 2 years removed from an Achilles injury that cost him most of the 2005 season, has played all three linebacker positions during his career, including the middle.

"I don't have a problem putting him at any of the three spots," Reid said. "I haven't made up my mind yet how I'm going to do that. He's just a good football player."

Spikes' former Bills teammate, Troy Vincent, told the Daily News on Tuesday that Spikes was told he probably will be the Eagles WILL (weakside) linebacker. If that ends up being the case, second-year man Omar Gaither, who started the final eight games last season at WILL, probably would be moved to the middle and compete with veteran Jeremiah Trotter for the starting job.

"I think my natural position is at either one of the outside linebackers," Spikes told reporters today at his introductory news conference at the NovaCare Complex. "Of course, looking back at history and seeing where I really made my money and where I made all the plays and where I felt most comfortable at, is the WILL linebacker position. But, I talked to Andy the other night, and [defensive coordinator Jim Johnson] also, so either one. We'll play around with it and just see."

It's still uncertain how things will shake out at strongside linebacker. While last year's starter, Dhani Jones, still is on the roster, he isn't expected to hold on to the job. Reid said the Eagles still are planning to give '06 third-round pick Chris Gocong, a college defensive end, an opportunity to win the job. He also mentioned former practice-squadder Torrance Daniels as a possibility.

"We didn't get to see Gocong last year," Reid said. "He got hurt and we never really got to see him in action there. You have he and Tank [Daniels], and Tank emerged kind of out of nowhere last year and showed us a little bit as the season went on.

"Tank can play weakside or strongside. He's got the size to play strongside, and he might have the best athletic ability of all of them. He's just a pretty fine athlete."

 

[redman]

Gaither owner here. Am I the only one struggling with whether this is good news or bad news as to Gaither?

 

[Keg]

Gaither owner here. Am I the only one struggling with whether this is good news or bad news as to Gaither?

is there a risk yeah...but i wouldnt worry about it...i think he played well last yr and will end up starting at Either WLB or MLB