4 likely destinations for Brandon Spikes

Photo via fansided.com

In my mind, Spikes is done with the Patriots. Already strapped for cash, with more important free agents, Spikes is not going to be in the dark blue next year. So where will he end up? Here are four possible destinations (along with a dark horse) Mr. Spikes could end up next season - this time in a particular order (least to most possible).

4. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had the second worst run defense last year, giving up 135 yards per game. Obviously Spikes comes in with strong runs stopping abilities and could quickly shore up the Falcons' leaky run D. Atlanta has some cap to work with (around $13mm) and if they release Roddy White, that would free up even more space to bring in Spikes and other talent.

3. Green Bay Packers

Packers were the 8th worst run defense but that isn't my main motivation behind this pick. A.J. Hawk is owed $5.1mm this next season and would save the Pack almost $2mm if they just released him. Hawk is 30 years old and in the playoffs showed his age, getting beaten a few too many times in the middle of the field. Replacing Hawk with the younger and better run defender Spikes would go a long way helping to bring back the Packers defense that we've seen in the past.

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have money pouring out of their ears. They currently have $34mm in cap room and that number could only get bigger if they clear some players from their books (looking at you Greg Toler). Colts had the seventh worst run D but more than that, Spike could bring a tough, hard hitting leadership to the Colts defense.

1. Chicago Bears

No one should be surprised by this pick. The Bears sucked against the run. So so so much, and in a division where you need to face Adrian Peterson - and now Eddie Lacy - twice a year, you better fix your run D fast. While the Bears aren't rolling with cash, they could clear some space to try to make a push for Spikes to fix the middle of their defense.

Dark Horse: New Orleans Saints

They'd have to cut a few players to make space, but after not resigning Jonathan Vilma, the Saints need to build back up their defense that gave up 4.6 yards per carry, tied for fourth in the league.

Where do you thinks Spikes could end up?

- Pete Rogers
@ftcsports
@petahrahgas