Free agent linebacker Takeo Spikes drew great interest from the Detroit Lions last month before training camp started, but it's evident that the feeling wasn't mutual. The Lions wanted Spikes to join the team and offered him a deal with the hope that he would sign a contract in time to get into training camp. However, Spikes decided to wait and see if any other opportunities worth considering came about, and now it appears one did.
Specifically, Spikes appears to be headed to San Francisco as he is supposed to take a physical there today, and perhaps not so coincidentally, the 49ers have waived linebacker Brandon Moore. That is a sure sign that Spikes will be a 49er shortly if he isn't already.
For the Lions, losing out on signing Spikes does sting. He appeared to be close to signing with Detroit back in July and would have immediately upgraded the Lions' group of linebackers. Instead, Detroit will have to survive with what they've got, which is a potential Pro Bowler in Ernie Sims, the always inconsistent Paris Lenon, and possibly the inexperienced Jordon Dizon should he move to outside linebacker.
As you can imagine, adding Spikes would have been very nice, but the Lions will simply have to play the cards they're dealt. If that means plugging Jordon Dizon into the starting lineup at outside linebacker or continuing to start Paris Lenon, then so be it.
UPDATE: The 49ers have signed Spikes.