The New England Patriots have re-signed Brandon Spikes to a one-year deal.

Spikes played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2013 before signing a one-year deal with the Bills in 2014. His departure from New England included some fireworks, as he was placed on season-ending injured reserve in the playoffs and questioned the team's decision to do so.

ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen had reported that the Patriots and Spikes mutually agreed to the IR designation as opposed to an outright release after the linebacker was late to a team meeting that week. That essentially ended any chance Spikes would return in 2014, with the hard-hitting outspoken linebacker saying he was happy to move on to "somewhere you're wanted."