I don’t think I agree that Spikes is that expendable. The Patriots run defense was the best it’s been in a decade last year, in large part because of Spikes. While I think adding another linebacker who excels in coverage, and can possibly take snaps away from Spikes, should be a priority, I still think he brings a lot of value to the table.
One interesting shift that could happen is sliding Hightower to middle linebacker, but I think Spikes stays this season. Whether or not he earns another contract from the Pats will depend in large part on how he does in coverage when he is on the field.