Shawne Merriman’s career with the San Diego Chargers is over
It has been a tough few years for Shawne Merriman as injuries have plagued a once promising career. Merriman held out from training camp this summer, telling the Chargers that he would not return until he was offered job security. When he realized he was
not going to get it, Merriman reported to training camp but he hasn’t been able to gain job security and will now lose his job.
Now the Chargers have placed a once-again injured Merriman on injured reserve with a calf injury. The Chargers will release Merriman once he is healthy. That will put an end to Merriman’s six seasons with the Chargers.
"I have been blessed to call San Diego my home for the past six years," Merriman said in a statement. "I can't say enough about my teammates, the coaching staff and of course the fans who have made my career with the Chargers such an amazing experience.”
So far, Merriman has just five tackles and no sacks in limited action in 2010. This is after five seasons in which Merriman accumulated 173 tackles and 43.5 sacks. In 2006, Merriman enjoyed his best year, having an All-Pro season with 49 tackles and 17 sacks.
That was despite missing four games after the controversial linebacker tested positive for steroids.
“I am approaching this situation as an opportunity to grow as a player and to bring my leadership and talents to a new organization. I am ready for the next chapter in my career and I am excited about the opportunity to continue my journey with a new team."
It is uncertain whether any team will sign Merriman at some point this season. He’s not the player he used to be and so much missed time with injuries have kept him rusty and limited his effectiveness. It is technically possible for the Chargers to re-sign
Merriman as he will become an unrestricted free agent next season but that is unlikely, General Manager A.J Smith has not been a big fan of Merriman’s attitude in recent years and his career with the team that drafted him is over.
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