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March 13, 2008

Spikes visits; Dilfer departs

The 49ers visited with linebacker Takeo Spikes today and also terminated the contract of quarterback Trent Dilfer. The 49ers had been encouraging Dilfer, who suffered a season-ending concussion at the tail end of 2007, to retire, but the 36-year-old quarterback has decided to keep his options open as far as playing another season. Dilfer already has dappled in broadcasting games -- he was a color commentator at the Senior Bowl -- and has said he might want to pursue that as his next career choice.

Here's a quote from Mike Nolan: “Trent Dilfer is a true professional in every meaning of the word. He is one of the most respected players in the league for good reason. Trent has provided great value to our team over the past two years in terms of his leadership, knowledge of the game and play on the field.”

As for Spikes, the 49ers are considering whether the 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler would be a good fit next to Patrick Willis at inside linebacker. The team presumably gave Spikes a physical today, paying extra attention to the rotator cuff injury that ended Spikes' 2007 season prematurely. Spikes had several other visits lined up before he arrived in San Francisco. It is unknown at this point whether the 49ers have made him a contract offer.

-- Matt Barrows

Posted by Matthew Barrows at 2:03 PM | Comments |