Linebacker Brandon Spikes ended last season on injured reserve because of a knee injury, although there were reports that missed meetings played a role in the Patriots’ decision to shut him down.
On NFL Network Friday, Spikes denied that anything other than the knee played a role in the decision and said that he was feeling totally healthy as he heads into free agency. Teams looking for linebacker help will note that Spikes should be available for the entire offseason program because it doesn’t sound like there’s much chance that he’ll be sticking in New England.
“I would never say never -- everybody [says] you never want to burn a bridge,” Spikes said. “But I just feel like both sides would benefit from a fresh start.”
Spikes has been a strong run defender throughout his career, but said Friday that he feels he’s a three-down player despite struggles in pass coverage over the course of his career. Spikes’ contract will tell us if his next team agrees with him.