New England Patriots Rumors: Could Shawne Merriman Come to New England?

While listening to Boston's 98.5 The Sports Hub, the name Shawne Merriman has been thrown around quite a lot since last week. Many callers have been throwing out the possibility of Merriman signing with the Patriots. 

Well, I'm not buying it. 

San Diego Chargers linebacker, Shawne Merriman, was placed on injured reserve last week with a calf injury and a minor-injury designation. According to the team, Merriman must be released when healthy. 

When Merriman is cut, he will then be placed through a waivers rather than entering the free-agent market. 

Many of the ideas being thrown around by callers on The Sports Hub have been indicating the Merriman would be a good fit in New England. Many believe that due to the fact of New England's young linebackers, Merriman would be a nice fit who could bring leadership.

First off, Merriman's prime has come and past. He has not been the same player as he was prior to being suspended for using a banned substance.

Also, head coach Bill Belichick would never bring in Merriman, considering he is not a "team friendly" guy.

I say the rumor stops here.

It's safe to say Merriman is "washed-up" and Belichick would not have him on his team.

This article was first seen on Sports Haze.

Tony Santorsa is Sports Haze's AFC East Beat Writer, and you could read more sports stories at www.SportsHaze.com. You can also follow Tony via Twitter @TonySantorsa.