San Diego Chargers Cutting Takeo Spikes

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

The San Diego Chargers are releasing 15 year veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes. As a rookie drafted by the Bengals in 1998 he made 2 Pro Bowls and earned All Pro honors twice, in 2003 and 2004. Takeo Spikes isn’t ready to call it a quits like fellow linebacker Ray Lewis, and quite possibly London Fletcher. He reportedly wants to play in the 2013 season, but for who remains a mystery.

“Takeo is a true professional and a class act,” G.M. Tom Telesco said.  “We’re grateful for his many contributions to the Chargers organization, both on and off the field, and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Spikes is not new to finding a new home, he’s changed teams several times in his career. He played the first 5 seasons of his career in Cincinnati, than spent 4 with the Bills, one with the Eagles, three with the 49ers before finally winding up with the Chargers in 2011.

The moves are an effort by the Chargers to get younger. They had 16 players over the age of thirty and paying a 36 year old $3 million, with a cap hit of $3.7 million just didn’t work for the Chargers’ new management.

He certainly brings the intangibles of being a leader and savvy veteran to a young team that needs that presence in their locker room. He could also be a great mentor to a young linebacker as well.

An interesting note from Pro Football Talk is that his former GM in San Diego, A.J. Smith, is currently the GM for the Washington Redskins. The Redskins might be losing their leader and linebacker, London Fletcher, and Spikes could come at a nice reasonable price. Perhaps the 10 year veteran minimum of $940,000 a year?