Inside Linebacker still hopes to play a 16th season in the league.
The San Diego Chargers have informed veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes that he will be released on Thursday, reports NFL.com.
The 15-year pro has started in all 32 games San Diego have played since his arrival but, at 35, the team have decided to release the veteran.
The draft this year has great depth at linebacker, and the Chargers may use the $3m Spikes was due next year on a rookie who can come in and fill the role immediately.
Spikes has played for five different teams during his career: Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, before ending up in San Diego.
The experienced linebacker has plenty of intentions to play a 16th season, and while the chances of him starting are considerably slim, he will be a good investment on a one-year deal as a rotational defender, who can help teach younger players the nuances of the linebacker position.
While he may not be a hall of fame calibre player, Spikes has had a very respectable and productive career, earning two All-Pro selections and two visits to the Pro Bowl, which is something that 90% of players will never achieve in their time in the league.
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