49ers officially sign LB Takeo Spikes

by David Fucillo on Aug 10, 2008 7:51 PM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

Earlier today, word came down that the 49ers had released Brandon Moore and would have Takeo Spikes visiting to take a physical. Well, it's now official: Takeo Spikes is the newest member of the San Francisco 49ers.

Spikes actually has some 49ers connections. He played with Justin Smith during Smith's first two seasons in Cincinnati. When Spikes moved on to Buffalo he played with Nate Clements and Jonas Jennings. Said Clements:

"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.”

Terms of the deal were not released, but I'd imagine it is not too long term a deal. Spikes missed the final two games of 2007 after having surgery to repair of torn rotator cuff. With the latest moves and one exhibition game behind us, I'm planning on throwing an updated 53-man projection in the next couple days. This move certainly heats up the Ted battle.

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Even Though I'm Not A Fan

I have to admit that grabbing Takeo Spikes was a great choice. He instantly makes your defense better. He is a feared player who can do everything. Nice grab!

Wack To Mack With The General and The Back. (J-Mac and D-Mac)

by Rayder K on Aug 10, 2008 9:59 PM PDT reply actions

"He is a feared player who can do everything."

He hasn’t been a feared player for a like 3 years now and if he could do everything he wouldn’t have still been unsigned. Takeo is at the end of his career and although he’ll probably prove to be a slight upgrade over Ulbrich he’s really not much of an impact player anymore.

by methodrampage on Aug 11, 2008 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah.

If he was truly an impact player, I don’t think any team would have minded throwing him a 2-year deal with a decent bonus to get a deal done. It’s not like all the teams in the NFL are set at MLB/ILB, so it says at LEAST something about Spikes that he didn’t make it to the opening of ANY training camp this year under contract.

by sfgfan on Aug 11, 2008 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

One-Year Deal

According to Matt Maiocco, the contract is for one year.

by jello on Aug 10, 2008 10:04 PM PDT reply actions

thanks for the heads-up

A one year deal is pretty much no risk with a good chance of a reward.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by David Fucillo on Aug 10, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I may be wrong here, but would Spikes actually be the second player who Nate Clements personally helped to woo into signing with the Niners?

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Aug 10, 2008 11:01 PM PDT reply actions

who was the other?

by sam23 on Aug 12, 2008 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

I can’t remember… that’s the problem….

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Aug 14, 2008 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

ha

are you sure you arent thinking of Jonas? they said Jonas played a role in wooing Clements. I think thats probably what youre remembering. On a side note, if thats true, I say thats probably the biggest contribution Jonas has made to this team yet.

by sam23 on Aug 15, 2008 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions

should not have released moore...

umm the guy led the team in tackles 2 years ago. (106 tackles 6.5 sacks,i think)
Isn’t spikes injury prone?

C’mon nolan..

by Stopwatch on Aug 11, 2008 8:10 AM PDT reply actions

You're a little off

Moore played himself off the team. Granted his 92 tackles in ‘06 showed signs of hope his inability to break into the starting lineup last year is a little more telling. Moore just doesn’t seem disciplined enough for this defense he’s won’t be missed.

by methodrampage on Aug 11, 2008 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions

I do really like the pick-up though!!

I just hope he can keep that shoulder in good health.

I do agree Moore hasnt exactly been on any highlight reels lately.
Just wonder if we gave up on a great player there!?

now everyone pray to the QB gods.
go niners.

by Stopwatch on Aug 11, 2008 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions

That's too bad to hear

I haven’t followed what’s been going on with him and his lack of performance, but the promise he showed two years ago was something special. That being said, Spikes is no slacker, so I think this team’s pretty well set at the LB position.

STEVE HOLM: Better than Alfonso? Why yes, of course.

by UnleashTheGore on Aug 11, 2008 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions

well

if he returns to his pro bowl form, it going to be nightmare for everybody else. Willis and Spikes as the other 2-headed dragon. The first ones was Gore and Foster.

by warriorfan4life on Aug 11, 2008 7:37 PM PDT reply actions