NFL Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Use Shawne Merriman

After a little over five seasons of injuries, suspensions, and dominant play when on the field, Shawne Merriman's career in San Diego is now "lights out."

The team announced that Merriman will be put on injured reserve due to an aggravated calf injury suffered against the Raiders on Sunday.

Once the Maryland product is healthy, the team will waive him; however, NFL rules prevent Merriman from rejoining an active roster for a minimum of four weeks.

Here are five teams that should either trade for Merriman, or pick the linebacker up off waivers.

Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 20: Paul Posluszny #51 and Drayton Florence #29 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate Posluszny's interception against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 20, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick S

Merriman would be a great fit in Buffalo, where the defense needs an additional spark to complement Jarius Byrd, Paul Posluszny, and Marcus Stroud.

After Posluszny, there isn't much to speak of regarding the team's linebacker corps; while Keith Ellison has supported the fourth-year linebacker nicely throughout the season, Merriman would instantly turn the Bills set of linebackers into one of the best in the league.

Additionally, Posluszny has also had his fair share of injury woes, playing just one full season (2008) in his career. Merriman could even lessen the Penn State product's load at times, allowing a greater opportunity for both to be healthy.

It would be an additional step in the Bills' never-ending rebuilding phase.

Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Nick Barnett #56 of the Green Bay Packers awaits the start of play against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Coming into the season, it seemed as if the Packers had few holes to fill on both sides of the ball.

Five weeks later, running back Ryan Grant, tight end Jermichael Finley, and possibly linebacker Nick Barnett may all wind up on injured reserve with season-ending injuries.

Merriman would go a long way in filling one of these holes should he clear waivers. Barnett's 105 tackles and four sacks from last season would be missing, and Merriman would be the perfect guy to pick up his slack for the rest of the season.

In addition, adding Merriman to a linebacker corps that already includes A.J. Hawk and potential Defensive Player of the Year Clay Matthews would make the Packers' defense much more formidable, providing a charge that may ignite a struggling offense.

San Francisco 49ers

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 04: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Takeo Spikes #51 after returning an interception for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL game on October 4, 2009 at Candlestick Park in San Francis

Adding Merriman to a group of linebackers that already includes All-Pro Patrick Willis and veteran Takeo Spikes doesn't seem like much of a boost to a team lacking in so many other areas.

However, he could provide a spark to a team currently 0-5; considering the poor play in the NFC West this season, it's entirely possible that the Niners could be 3-5 in four weeks' time and still be in the hunt for a division title.

Carolina Panthers

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: James Anderson #50 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Another 0-5 team that could certainly use Merriman's help is the Panthers.

Carolina has the 12th-best defense in the league, an impressive statistic considering defensive end Tyler Brayton's eight seasons of experience make him the most experienced player on that side of the ball.

Linebacker James Anderson leads the NFL with 53 tackles, on track for an impressive first season as a permanent starter. Meanwhile, third-year linebacker Dan Connor supports Anderson with 39 tackles.

However, a young defense could use Merriman's leadership on the field to help improve the team's 27th- best rush defense.

Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19: London Fletcher #59 of the Washington Redskins is introduced before the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Larr

While the Redskins are currently 3-2, their defense has struggled mightily. Despite allowing the Cowboys just seven points in Week 1, the Redskins have allowed an average of 410.2 yards per game, easily the worst average in the NFL.

Most of the blame falls on the secondary, as Washington allows 298 yards in the air per game. However, Merriman could provide a boost to the 19th-best defense on the ground, and provide a proper complimentary linebacker to veteran London Fletcher and second-year player Brian Orakpo.

Where do you see Merriman landing once he is healthy? Offer your thoughts in the comments section below.

Ryan Papaserge is a junior Journalism/Mass Communication student at St. Bonaventure University and a writing intern at Bleacher Report.