San Francisco 49ers: 5 Reasons the 49ers Should Re-Sign Takeo Spikes

The latest reports have indicated that the lockout will soon end. If that's true, it is time to take a closer at Takeo Spikes' situation with the San Francisco 49ers.

When the lockout ends, Takeo Spikes will be a free agent. Many reporters believe the 49ers will not re-sign him because he is in the twilight of his career. 

I believe the 49ers should and will re-sign Spikes—they need him, this year more than ever.

Here are 5 reasons why.

49ers Need Consistency Wherever They Can Get It

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Takeo Spikes #51 of the San Francisco 49ers hits Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Im

This season will be full of change for every team—the lockout has already seen to that. This is especially true for the 49ers.

With a new head coach and coaching staff (for the most part), a defensive backfield that is still undetermined, and a brewing quarterback battle, the 49ers need to maintain some sort of consistency. 

I believe Takeo should be retained at least one more year to prevent any major changes at the inside linebacker position.

Change is good, but maybe not when it's all at once.

49ers Need Veteran Leadership

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 14: Linebacker Takeo Spikes #51 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before taking on the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 14, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The 49ers are starting to become a very young team, and veteran leadership is important to maintain the right type of environment in the locker room and on the practice field.

Takeo Spikes is a real veteran who has a great personality and is respected by his peers and teammates. I believe losing that kind of leadership, especially this year, would be a mistake.

NaVorro Bowman looks like he could be a great player in the future, but he will only improve if Spikes stays in San Francisco for one more year.

Fans Want Him to Return

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Takeo Spikes #51 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by

I recently saw a poll that asked San Francisco fans which free agent not named Alex Smith they most wanted to return.

The results were overwhelmingly in favor of Takeo Spikes.

Ask a 49er fan what they think about Takeo Spikes, and you will find out quickly that he is a fan favorite.

Willis Wants Him to Return

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 04: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Takeo Spikes #51 after returning an interception for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL game on October 4, 2009 at Candlestick Park in San Francis

It is well known Patrick Willis likes having Takeo Spikes next to him inside. Here are some of the comments Willis has made:

“There’s no doubt: I do want him back. If they were to ask me right now, at this very moment, I’d say: “What do I need to do to make that happen?’’’

“Takeo is like the better half of me,’’ Willis said. “He’s a guy I watch day in and day out and that, honestly, raises my level of play. You look at the film and you’re like, ‘He’s been in the league for 13 years?’

“It’s amazing he wasn’t on the Pro Bowl or at least as a first-team alternate.”

“Hopefully, we’ll get the opportunity to play again next year and make this thing happen the way it’s supposed to happen around here,’’ he said.

This may sound strange, but In a weird way, it is almost like Willis has earned the right to keep Spikes.

And Spikes has earned the right to stay a 49er.

He Is Awesome

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans looks downfield for a receiver as linebacker Takeo Spikes #51 of the San Francisco 49ers applies pressure at Reliant Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Leve

Take one look at Takeo Spikes, and you'll see a beast of a man. He is the only person I have ever seen (who wasn’t overweight) whose neck is thicker than his head. He looks like he could literally bite your head off. 

However, he is actually a very nice guy. Spikes and Willis are not only two of my favorite players on the 49ers, they are also two of my favorite personalities.

Watching Spikes and Willis both play with those giant clubs over their broken hands last year was epic (and I hate the over-use of that word).

If anyone in the organization is listening, please bring back our inside linebacker duo. They are the best in the NFL.

Thank you for reading! Please follow me on Twitter  @ryanthebroker.