Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Chargers will release Takeo Spikes on Thursday, according to report

Spikes spent two years with the Chargers and plans to continue his career.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers will release linebacker Takeo Spikes on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Spikes, 36, has spent 15 seasons in the NFL. He played with the Chargers for the last two seasons. In San Diego, Spikes started 32 games and recorded 185 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

The move will help free up about $3 million in cap space. Spikes was set to be a $3.7 million cap hit in 2013. After the move, the Chargers will be about $10 million under the salary cap.

Spikes was the 13th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He spent five years with the Bengals before signing with the Buffalo Bills for four seasons.

In Buffalo, Spikes had his best seasons as a pro. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and earned a first-team All NFL honor in 2004. In that season he recorded 99 total tackles, three sacks, five interceptions, two touchdowns, 18 pass deflections and four forced fumbles.

More in the NFL:

NFL Mock Draft: New names rising in first round

Tom Coughlin talks with SB Nation’s Big Blue View

NFL defenses are changing, too

NFL free agency: Vikings, Dolphins pursuing Mike Wallace

Uffsides: Von Miller talks with SB Nation

NFL news: Roger Goodell terrified, Shawne Merriman retires and the latest on free agency

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
Kyle Shanahan’s car accident has transformed into the NFL’s biggest mysteryKyle Shanahan’s car accident has transformed into the NFL’s biggest mystery
NFL

A routine traffic accident has become something entirely surreal.

By James Dator
NFL
Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf take part in training camp toilet pactAaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf take part in training camp toilet pact
NFL

If it’s yellow, let it mellow.

By James Dator
NFL
Bills release alternate uniforms so ugly that even die-hard Bills fans hate themBills release alternate uniforms so ugly that even die-hard Bills fans hate them
NFL
The Panthers had a nightmare opening to training campThe Panthers had a nightmare opening to training camp
NFL

A lot went wrong in a short period of time.

By James Dator
NFLFromBaltimore Beatdown
Critics keep moving the goalposts on Lamar JacksonCritics keep moving the goalposts on Lamar Jackson
NFLFromBaltimore Beatdown
By Femi Ayanbadejo
NFL
61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season
NFL

From Week 1 to the Super Bowl and beyond, we give a comprehensive layout of what the 2026 season will look like.

By Jarrett Bailey