NFL Rumors: San Diego Chargers Set to Release Shawne Merriman—49ers Interested?

First off, let's get one thing straight.

Shawne Merriman is not the player he once was. But with the 49ers meager, and sometimes nonexistent, pass rush, perhaps a change of scenery could spark Merriman as well as the 49ers' defensive unit.

Merriman all but sealed his fate in San Diego when he came out last week and released this statement to the Associated Press,

"I have been blessed to call San Diego my home for the past six years. 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," he said.

"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."

Now today, team officials have made it clear that when Merriman is healthy enough to come off of the injured reserve list, he will be released.

In Merriman’s first three years in the league, he recorded 39.5 sacks in 42 games. He became known as “Lights Out” for his punishing hits.

But in his last three years, he has recorded just four sacks, all of those coming last season.

In the last few years, Merriman has been beset with injuries and mired in controversy.

He played in only one game in 2008 due to knee re-constructive surgery.
He has missed a lot of time this year as he has been plagued with an injury to his Achilles tendon.

His most recent injury, landing him on the IR, is to his calf.

Merriman was suspended in 2006 for four games for violating the league’s ban on performance-enhancing drugs. He tested positive for steroids.

He was arrested in 2009 for allegedly choking television celebrity Tila Tequila, and was also accused of false imprisonment, as he supposedly restrained her when she attempted to leave. The two settled out of court.

He skipped most of training camp and offseason workouts this year, as he was unhappy with his current contract.

So why should the 49ers take a risk on an injury prone, “seen better days,” head case, bad-boy linebacker?

Why not?

This team’s defense isn’t scaring anybody. It also isn’t even close to the ferocious, “Fhysical with an F” type of defense that was being advertised.

Patrick Willis can’t do it alone. So why not take a chance?

Maybe he has a chip on his shoulder and still wants to prove to the world he can play. Maybe he brings a little bit of attitude and swagger that the 49er defense is sorely lacking.

Maybe he doesn’t.

But at this point, the team has nothing to lose. Yet, they have been afraid to make radical changes—scratch that, they have been afraid to make any changes outside of firing Jimmy Raye.

Merriman has a really good chance of landing in the Bay Area.

But chances are he won’t be wearing red and gold.