Shawne Merriman: Five Best Landing Spots For The Former San Diego Charger

The San Diego Chargers have placed LB Shawne Merriman on the reserved-injury list with a "minor injury designation". This means that when Shawne Merriman becomes healthy, the team must release him. 

The Chargers most likely will release him in four to five weeks.  Merriman was not happy with the Chargers before the start of the season because of his status as a restricted free agent.  

So where should Shawne Merriman land? Is it worth it for teams to sign the linebacker? 

Merriman's latest issue is a calf injury and he has only played three games this season.  In those three game, he recorded only six tackles and no sacks. 

In 2006, Merriman had a career-high 17 sacks, but he simply has not been the same since.  He missed most of the 2008 season and only had four sacks in 2009. 

However, Shawne Merriman wants a new contract and that is always a good motivator.  

Here are the five best landing sports for Shawne Merriman.   

5. Buffalo Bills

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 22: The Buffalo Bills defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Why should the Buffalo Bills sign Shawne Merriman?  The better is question is why wouldn't they? 

The Buffalo Bills' defense is currently the ranked 29th in the NFL.  They have been allowing an average of 182.4 rushing yards per game.  

Buffalo arguably has the worst group of linebackers in the NFL.  So why not take a shot with Shawne Merriman? 

The fact is that it could not really make the Bills any worse.  

4. Kansas City Chiefs

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ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Kyle Boller #12 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass over the defense of linebacker Mike Vrabel #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of the preseason game at the Edward Jones Dome on September 3,

Kansas City's defense has been very solid this season.  In fact, they are only allowing an average of 80.5 rush yards this season.  

There is one distinct reason why the Chiefs should sign Merriman, and that is to gain any advantage they can over the San Diego Chargers. 

The Kansas City Chiefs want to surprise everyone this season and win the AFC West, and signing Merriman may help them do so.  

The Chiefs do not play the Chargers until Week 14.  Shawne Merriman should be released by then, which would be a perfect time to sign him and use him against his former team in a game that might determine the division. 

3. Denver Broncos

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Robert Ayers #56 and Jason Hunter #52 of the Denver Broncos celebrate after a defensive stop against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. Denver won 26-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Ge

The Denver Broncos' linebacker Robert Ayers will be out for at least six weeks with a broken foot.  

Earlier in the season, the Broncos lost their best pass rusher in Elvis Durmervil.  Right now, no player on the Broncos had more than 1.5 sacks.  

Signing Merriman would be a good move for Denver as the former Charger would fit in with the 3-4 scheme and hopefully contribute some sacks. 

It also does not hurt that Denver could use him against San Diego.  

2. Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers chases down a Buffalo Bills runner at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers should sign Shawne Merriman in order to create an insurance policy for Clay Matthews. 

Right now the timetable for Matthews' return is uncertain, but he will definitely miss one game.  Hamstring injuries also tend to both players for the rest of the season. 

The Green Bay Packers could still be Super Bowl contenders and it would not hurt to have Shawne Merriman on the bench. 

Imagine a scenario where a healthy Merriman and Matthews are the outside linebackers for Green Bay.  The opponent's quarterback would be under constant pressure.  

The signing of Merriman would also add some energy and excitement to a team that has been experiencing a lot of injuries.  

1. Oakland Raiders

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ALAMEDA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis speaks during a press conference to announce the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders at thier training facility on Septemer 30, 2008 in Alameda, California. (Photo by Jed Jac

The Oakland Raiders have the second worst rushing defense in the NFL.  Oakland also allowing 345.8 yards of offense per game, which ranks 25th in the NFL. 

Shawne Merriman would not have to move to far from San Diego and he probably wants the chance to get some revenge against his old team. 

Once again, it makes sense for any team in the AFC West to sign Merriman.  

Al Davis is known for signing troubled players like Shawne Merriman, so he would be a pretty good fit in Oakland.  

It will be interesting to see ow big of a market exists for Merriman.  A lot definitely depends on his health.