Shawne Merriman: 10 Teams He Could Make Playoff Contenders Right Now

Shawne Merriman's injuries and attitude have him getting ready to look for a new home in the NFL.

There are plenty of teams that might be willing to take a chance on a player regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL just three seasons ago.

Merriman's skills make him ideally suited to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but he could end up going to any team in need of a pure edge-rusher.

Then there is the question of what skills he has left.

Despite his history of off-field issues and declining health, plenty of NFL teams would love to add a player who has totaled 43.5 sacks and is just 26 years old.

Here's a look at 10 NFL teams that could improve by taking a chance on Shawne Merriman.

No. 10: Houston Texans

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers comes off the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Ste

The Texans are normally content to generate a pass rush from the front four, but there could be room for Merriman on the roster with middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans headed to the IR.

Houston's secondary has been nothing short of awful, and it's beginning to look like applying constant pressure to the quarterback is the only way the Texans won't be torched on a weekly basis.

If Merriman clears waivers, the Texans could take a chance on adding him to the mix.

No. 9: Cincinnati Bengals

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers waits on the line of scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Step

As if the Bengals need any additional drama, the team could take a chance on adding Merriman in hopes of returning to the playoff picture.

Cincinnati has just six sacks on the season and has been forced to shuffle the defensive lineup with the injury and subsequent suspension of Antwan Odom.

Merriman could be used strictly in pass-rush situations, providing the Bengals with a spark coming off the edge.

No. 8: Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers looks on during warm-ups against the Oakland Raiders on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Oakland's defense is still strong, but the Raiders could use some help generating turnovers.

With Merriman coming off the edge, Oakland would be able to add to its 12 sacks on the season and create opportunities for the defense to make plays.

The Raiders play a 4-3, but that might not matter to the man at the top.

Al Davis is never afraid to take a chance. So don't be surprised if Oakland at least considers making a move to add the former All-Pro to the mix.

No. 7: Washington Redskins

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers lines up against the New York Jets during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Ima

Mike Shanahan has probably had enough drama for one season after dealing with the Albert Haynesworth situation.

Shanahan might be willing to risk another potential saga by bringing in some reinforcements.

Merriman would fit nicely in the Redskins' 3-4 scheme that needs all the help it can get.

As long as Jim Haslett keeps Merriman out of coverage situations, the Skins defense would reap the benefits of adding another pass rusher.

No. 6: New England Patriots

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 14: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers warms up on the field before the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots held on January 14, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Lisa Blu

The Patriots haven't been mentioned to have interest in Merriman. But Bill Belichick might consider adding a veteran to help his young defense in pass-rush situations.

Belichick has never been afraid to pick up veterans off the scrap heap and throw them right into the mix.

Despite his questionable attitude, Merriman could find a home in New England.

No. 5: Denver Broncos

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 05: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers warms up for the game with the San Francisco 49ers on September 4, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 26-7. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/

From a football point of view, Merriman to Denver makes a great deal of sense.

Already missing sack-master Elvis Dumervil for the rest of the season, the Broncos will be without linebacker Robert Ayers for at least two months as he recovers from a broken foot.

Those losses leave Denver with a gaping hole to fill on one of the league's worst defenses.

It might seem like a perfect fit at first glance. But remember, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels hates the idea of having malcontents on the roster.

In the end, football sensibility might be enough to bring Merriman to the Mile High City.

No. 4: Arizona Cardinals

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DENVER - OCTOBER 07: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers leaves the line of scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 7, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 41-3. (Photo by Doug Pensi

Can you imagine Joey Porter and Shawne Merriman on the same team?

Aside from volatile outbursts and plenty of celebrations, the Cardinals could find a use for Merriman coming around the edge.

Arizona plays a 3-4 scheme and needs to bolster a defense that figures to be ranked near the bottom of the NFL as the season continues.

With the NFC West up for grabs, the Cardinals would get a nice boost from bringing in a player with Merriman's skills.

No. 3: Baltimore Ravens

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 22: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers smiles before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

A move to the Ravens has some legs, at least according to Peter King of Sports Illustrated.

Even with Merriman placing the Ravens atop his list of desired destinations, the lack of a glaring need for another linebacker might be enough to keep him from returning to the East Coast.

Still, his statistics and youth are difficult to ignore. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed would likely have a say in Baltimore's brass deciding to make a move for the fallen star.

Baltimore could take a chance on Merriman if he clears waivers.

No. 2: Green Bay Packers

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 25: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers watches the warm ups before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 25, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Although Clay Matthews isn't expected to miss much more time—if any—as he deals with his hamstring issue, it remains to be seen if he will be able to return to his early season form.

The second-year pro seemed to be heading towards a Defensive Player of the Year distinction until suffering the injury against the Redskins.

Green Bay needs help with Matthews and others hurting on defense.

Perhaps more than any other defense in the NFL, the Packers defense is predicated on pressuring the quarterback.

As long as he stays out of coverage, Merriman would give Dom Capers another valuable weapon rushing the passer from the linebacker position.

No. 1: San Francisco 49ers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 19: Linebacker Shawn Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers leads the team in a cheer before the start of the game against the Denver Broncos during Monday Night Football on October 19, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif

Shawne Merriman is due to make $3.269 million this season, which is arguably the biggest reason why it initially appeared he would clear waivers once the Chargers release him.

That feeling has changed with numerous reports documenting the 49ers' interest in acquiring Merriman.

Although Mike Singletary did his best to quiet the rumors, telling the San Francisco Chronicle he likes the way the 49ers are constructed, it appears Merriman might be heading north.

ESPN is reporting the Niners want Merriman so badly that they would actually make a waiver claim on him, putting his pricey contract on the books.

In the end, Singletary would be thrilled to throw Merriman into the mix.

San Francisco plays a 3-4 defense and has had problems generating pressure on the quarterback this season.

With an NFC West title still in reach despite the Niners' early run of futility, Merriman could help Singletary save his job while resurrecting his own NFL career.