FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are reuniting with linebacker Brandon Spikes.
The Patriots announced the signing of Spikes, 27, a veteran of five NFL seasons with New England (2010-13) and Buffalo (2014), on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 255-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick (62nd overall) by New England out of Florida in 2010. He signed with Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2014.
Spikes has played in 66 career games with 50 starts and has registered 384 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, seven forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 15 passes defensed. He finished second on the Patriots in 2012 with 128 total tackles and in 2013 with 134 total tackles. Spikes has played in six postseason games with five starts for the Patriots, finishing with 45 total tackles, one interception, one sack and three passes defensed.
The Patriots also released cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, linebacker Cameron Gordon and wide receiver Devin Gardner.
49ERS: Star defensive lineman Justin Smith announced his retirement – the latest blow to the team this offseason.
Smith is the third defensive star to retire from the 49ers this offseason, joining linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland. Coach Jim Harbaugh is also gone, along with running back Frank Gore, guard Mike Iupati, receiver Michael Crabtree and cornerback Chris Culliver.
Smith played 14 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the first round by Cincinnati in 2001.
DOLPHINS: Ryan Tannehill signed a $77.7 million, four-year extension that keeps him under contract through 2020.
Last month the Dolphins exercised their fifth-year, $16.2 million option for 2016 on the quarterback’s rookie contract.
COWBOYS: Dallas re-signed fullback Tyler Clutts and released fullback Jed Collins.
Clutts, 30, played all 16 games last season, with one start. He has played in 56 games with nine starts over four years, but still doesn’t have a carry.
SEAHAWKS: Seattle signed wide receiver Deshon Foxx after he participated in the team’s rookie minicamp as a tryout player out of UConn.
• Reserve defensive tackle Jesse Williams will undergo kidney surgery after being diagnosed with cancer.
The team announced Williams’ diagnosis of papillary type 2 cancer.
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