Eagles get Spikes, Holcomb

-Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb from the Buffalo Bills on Monday for defensive tackle Darwin Walker and a conditional 2008 draft choice.

“Takeo Spikes is a proven playmaker in the National Football League,” said Eagles general manager Tom Heckert. “He has the ability to play all three linebacking positions and we’re happy to add him to our defense. Likewise, Kelly Holcomb is also a proven veteran who will add depth behind Donovan McNabb and A.J. Feeley.”

A two-time Pro Bowl selection in 2003 and 2004, Spikes (6-2, 242) is a veteran of nine NFL seasons (Buffalo 2003-06, Cincinnati 1998-2002). In 2004, Spikes registered his best all-around season, posting 111 tackles, a career-high five interceptions, and three sacks. Spikes recorded 76 tackles and one sack in 12 games in 2006 upon returning from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the third game of the 2005 season.

Originally a first-round draft choice (13th overall selection) of Cincinnati in 1998, the 30-year-old Spikes went on to play five seasons for the Bengals, where he totaled 689 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five interceptions in 79 games. In his career, Spikes has played in 126 games (125 starts), and recorded 1,038 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and 12 interceptions.

He has been responsible for 26 “disruptive plays” in his career (14 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions). Spikes also has scored four career touchdowns (three interception returns, one fumble return).

A native of Sandersville, GA, Spikes left Auburn for the NFL following his junior season in 1997. That year, he garnered All-America honors and was named the national defensive player of the year by various publications.

Holcomb (6-2, 212) is a veteran of 11 NFL seasons spent with four different franchises. Prior to backing up starter J.P. Losman in 2006, Holcomb had appeared in 10 games (eights starts) for Buffalo in 2005, completing 155 of 230 pass attempts for 1,509 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his career, he has completed 523 of 810 pass attempts for 5,401 yards and 37 touchdowns.

The 33-year-old, Fayetteville, TN, native saw his most extensive playing action in Cleveland where he spent the 2001 to 2004 seasons. In that span, he appeared in 19 games (12 starts) for the Browns, posting 3,438 yards and 26 touchdowns. Prior to his stint in Cleveland, Holcomb spent five seasons as a reserve in Indianapolis (1996-2000). His only game action during that time came in 1997 when he appeared in five games (one start). Holcomb began his career in 1995 when Tampa Bay signed him as an undrafted free agent. He spent six weeks on the Buccaneers practice squad that season.

A four-year starter at Middle Tennessee State, Holcomb appeared in 43 games and finished as the school’s all-time leader in completions (501), attempts (801) and passing yards (7,064).