Headed into the 2008 campaign, San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman was coming off three straight seasons of 10 sacks or more under his belt, and in spite of his four game suspension for performance enhancing drugs earlier in 2007, expectations were sky high for the remainder of his career.
Then disaster struck as Merriman suffered a serious knee injury, forcing him to miss the entire season, and his return in 2009 was less than stellar as he accumulated just four sacks in 14 games played that year.
This season has been even worse for Merriman, as he’s appeared in just two games, even though the Chargers have lost players at his position left and right, making it easy for him to earn playing time.
His injuries haven’t helped, but the complete lack of production is what will inevitably force San Diego’s hand, and according to beat writer Kevin Acee, the Chargers could end up making a move to rid themselves of Merriman very soon.
A trade seems highly unlikely at this point, given Merriman’s pathetic display on the field thus far, and a release could be forthcoming if San Diego feels they have enough depth in their linebacker corps to do without him on game day.
If Merriman is released, he might get a look or two from teams in desperate need of a player with experience in 3-4 defensive schemes, but with his injury history as of late, it’s very possible that Merriman could face the end of his career.
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Written by Chris Kolb
Topics: San Diego Chargers