The San Francisco 49ers announced Sunday that they have signed LB Takeo Spikes. Spikes was released by the Philadelphia Eagles in March. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Spikes (6-2, 242) enters his 11th NFL season after originally being drafted in the first round (13th pick overall) of the 1998 Draft out of Auburn by the Cincinnati Bengals. A two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler (2003-04), Spikes has played in 140 games with 139 starts and has amassed 1,177 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 15 fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 48 passes defensed in his career.
Spikes already is familiar with a few of his new teammates, including 49ers cornerback Nate Clements. Clements and Spikes played together in Buffalo, along with tackle Jonas Jennings.
"He was a groomsman in my wedding so he's a good friend and I've been in touch with him about coming here the last few months," said Clements. "He's a great addition. He brings leadership, playmaking ability and experience to the table, and I'm excited to have him here."
In 2007, Spikes started 14 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in his lone season with the team, ranking second on the team with 139 tackles to go along with one sack and four passes defensed. He spent the previous four seasons as a member of the Buffalo Bills (2003-06), playing in 47 games with 46 starts. Spikes missed only one game in his first five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (1998-2002), starting 78 of 79 games played.
