Shawne Merriman released by the San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers have placed former All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman on waivers. The move is not unexpected, as the Chargers had placed Merriman on the injured reserve with a minor
injury designation on 13 October. NFL rules state that a player on a minor injury designation must be released by their team once the player is healthy.
Merriman made his debut with the Chargers in 2005. In his rookie season he had 10 sacks and was named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. He followed up his rookie season
with 17 sacks in 2006 and 12.5 sacks in 2007.
Since the start of the 2008 season, Merriman has been limited to 18 games due to various injuries. In those 18 games Merriman recorded only four sacks.
Over this past summer Merriman was offered a one-year tender offer by the Chargers. He initially refused to sign the tender and sat out part of training camp due to his dissatisfaction
with the $3.2 million deal.
Merriman eventually signed the deal and reported to the team, but he was unable to stay healthy this season. He missed the season opener due to an Achilles injury and was limited in his
play in week two. In week three, Merriman suffered a calf injury that forced him to miss the fourth game of the season. Merriman reinjured his calf during week five against the Oakland Raiders. He was placed on the injured reserve after the Raiders game.
Three teams, the Miami Dolphins, the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys have expressed interest in signing Merriman. It is believed that he will pass through waivers unclaimed due
to the fact that any team that signs him will have to pay him the prorated portion of his $3.2 million salary.
If Merriman goes unclaimed he will become a free agent and will be free to sign and negotiate a new contract with any team.
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