The New England Patriots have released Brandon Spikes after the linebacker was connected to a car accident report in Massachusetts regarding an abandoned car and moving forward the team may look at other free agent options at the position and this comes as Wes Welker returning on a deal for Tom Brady is not likely.
The Patriots signed Spikes last month after he spent time with the Buffalo Bills and this was his second stint with New England after the team drafted him in 2010. According to Pro Football Talk, the team released Spikes following reports about an abandoned Maybach registered to him being found abandoned on I-495 early Sunday morning. While no charges have yet been filed, the police have "reached out" to Spikes and he now is back on the free agent market.
The Patriots have a slight need at linebacker with Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower coming back from injuries, but both players are expected to be ready for the start of the season. Spikes played on season in Buffalo after he did not return to the Patriots and he played in 16 games, making 54 tackles and one sack. Spikes signed a one year deal with the Patriots in May and it came after he started nearly 40 games for the team over his first four years in the NFL.
Mayo is coming back from a patellar tendon injury, while Hightower is recovering from a labrum issue, which would have made Spikes a depth option for the Pats and insurance in case either player had a setback. Spikes had his best season in 2012 when he had 92 tackles and one sack for the Patriots and five forced fumbles.
Wes Welker said in a radio interview that he wouldn't mind a return to the Patriots as a free agent this offseason, as he is still looking to play after spending two seasons with the Denver Broncos. According to ESPN Boston, the Patriots are not expected to bring back Welker this season as a free agent, as they are mostly set with Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola at the top of the depth chart. Pro Football Talk reported that the Dolphins had interest in Welker earlier in the offseason, but they have not shown any interest since back in April. The team lost DeVante Parker to injury, but they have Tommy Streeter signed and they also brought in Greg Jennings as a free agent.
Welker dealt with concussion issues in Denver and he said that he is hoping to continue his career after being cleared to play by doctors. Welker had his best years with Tom Brady in New England, but he is now 34 and way past his prime. Last season Welker had 49 catches for 464 yards and two touchdowns and that came after he had 73 catches for 778 yards and 10 scores in his first year with Denver.
