ESPN.com - NFL - Sources: Eagles get linebacker Spikes from Bills
PHOENIX -- In a deal that addresses Philadelphia's offseason priority for adding a playmaking linebacker, ESPN.com has learned that the Eagles acquired veteran Takeo Spikes from the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
The Eagles also acquired veteran backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb as part of the trade package. In exchange, Buffalo received seven-year veteran defensive tackle Darwin Walker, who had become extraneous in Philadelphia because of the team's depth, and an undisclosed draft choice, believed to be a late-round pick.
Officials from both teams, here for the annual NFL meetings, spent much of Monday hammering out the details of the trade. The basic parameters were agreed to earlier in the day, but it took into the evening to come to an accord on what Buffalo would receive.
The Bills had discussed Spikes trade scenarios with other clubs as well, but none of those had progressed on Monday as far as the talks with the Eagles. Contrary to reports, the New York Giants were not suitors for Spikes' services.
Spikes, 30, has quietly been seeking a change of scenery and the Bills, who feel that he is in the early stages of decline and prefer to go with younger players at the position, were ready to accommodate those wishes.
The Eagles have been trying to upgrade at linebacker for much of the offseason. Spikes probably will replace Dhani Jones as the starter at strongside linebacker. The Bills are expected to elevate second-year veteran Keith Ellison, who started seven games as a rookie in 2006, into Spikes' spot in the lineup.
EAGLES trade for Takeo Spikes and Kelly Holcolmb for Darwin Walker and pick
EAGLES trade for Takeo Spikes and Kelly Holcolmb for Darwin Walker and pick
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