NFL Breaking News: Buffalo Bills Claim Shawne Merriman

The Buffalo Bills have made a waiver claim on former San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman who was released by the team on Tuesday.

Fox Sports' NFL Insider Jay Glazer sent out a rather interesting series of tweets this afternoon that began the Merriman to Buffalo rumors.

Following Glazer's initial report were Joe Buscaglia of WGR550 radio in Buffalo, and Adam Schefter who confirmed the claim with this tweet:

"Buffalo has claimed LB Shawne Merriman. He has five days to report to Buffalo; plans to for now. He is not expected to play Sunday vs. Chic."

The Bills were obviously first in line to grab Merriman because they currently own the worst record in the NFL at 0-7.

While this comes as a surprise to some, it's not a total shocker.

Buffalo Bills GM Buddy Nix has ties with Merriman, as he was the assistant general manager on the Chargers' staff that drafted Merriman in 2005.

Background and Important Information

From 2005 to 2007 Merriman registered a whopping 39.5 sacks and was named to the Pro-Bowl in each of those three years.

Since then he has only totaled four sacks.

Merriman has battled LCL, PCL, foot and calf injuries and has been suspended for the use of PEDs.

He's appeared in 18 games since the start of the 2008 season, but played 14 in 2009.

The former San Diego linebacker is owed 1.76 million for the remainder of the season, and that current contract expires at the end of the year.

Buffalo needs to release a current player to make room for Merriman on the official roster.

Quick Analysis

I applaud Buddy Nix wholeheartedly for making this intriguing move, when many expected the Bills to be out of the Merriman sweepstakes.

It's as simple as this; if Merriman struggles on the field, the Bills can let him go. No big deal. Glorified tryout.

But if Merriman returns even close to this 2005-2007 form, the Bills plug a major hole in their anemic pass rush and get a linebacker that can play for the Bills for many years to come.

The signing should give a nice little boost to ticket sales as well.

The Bills linebackers and pass rush are extremely sub-par and if Merriman, 26, can help a struggling defense in 2010, there's a chance Buddy Nix can persuade him to stick around long-term with a more lucrative deal this offseason. He increases the chance of the Bills actually winning a game this year, too. 

For once, I'm happy with a move the Bills' front office has made, and am proud they had the guts to do it.