Impending free agent ILB Brandon Spikes told the NFL Network on Friday that he believes he and the Patriots would “benefit from a fresh start.”
“Everybody says you never want to burn a bridge but I just feel like both sides could benefit from a fresh start,” Spikes said, via NFL Media.
Spikes added that he “would never say never” regarding a return to New England, but it sounds like he’ll be playing elsewhere next season.
Recent reports have mentioned that there have been no talks between the two parties regarding a long-term extension, which probably isn’t all that surprising to hear given how the season ended for Spikes.
Spikes, 26, is arguably the best available inside linebacker in this year’s free agent market, so it will be interesting to see how much interest there is in him from prospective teams.
Some have mentioned that Spikes could target a similar contract to the one the Dolphins gave to LB Philip Wheeler last year — five years, $26 million with $13 million guaranteed.
Spikes totaled 86 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery over the course of 16 games for the Pats.
Pro Football Focus has Spikes rated as the No. 6 inside linebacker in the league last season. We have him listed as the No. 31 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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