According to Jeff Howe over at the Boston Herald, linebacker Brandon Spikes was not present at Patriots OTAs on Monday. There was no specific reason given for his absence.
Spikes is reportedly remaining on his current workout regime, and will work out on his own. Sources close to Howe are saying that Spikes isn't staying away from team OTAs because he's unhappy with his current contract, which is set to expire at the end of this season.
He is apparently still planning to attend mandatory minicamp, which begins on June 11. So there's at least that.
Knowing the Patriots, we will likely never know the exact reason why Spikes won't join his teammates at Gillette Stadium this week. These OTAs are voluntary, so Spikes isn't subject to being fined or disciplined by the team by not attending them. However, it raises questions as to where his head really is.
Spikes has stayed away from voluntary workouts all offseason, and won't show up and honor his contract until he absolutely has to. I know there were guys like Mike Vrabel, who simply preferred to stay away from OTAs to spend extra time with his families, but this seems different to me.
While it's still too early to tell, this could be a sign that Spikes has already accepted the fact that this will be his last season in New England, and that he's ready for the big payday that he likely won't get from the Patriots.
There's been speculation around here that Spikes may get traded by the team. With the news today, do you think that possibility is even more likely at this point?