NFL Free Agency: Shawne Merriman Signs With Buffalo Bills

Shawne Merriman ended the speculation of where he would end up, after a short stint with the Bills, by resigning with Buffalo.  Merriman the once feared line-backer for the San Diego Chargers is getting older, and still in the news.

After being released by the Chargers in 2010, he found a home in Buffalo before he injured his ankle. Now he is looking to have a great season in 2011.  

Here are some details of Merriman's contract and some predictions for the future of his career.

Contract Length

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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

Merriman reportedly signed a two year contract that would put him under contract until the 2013 season.  This is a short length, but with all of his problems, probably what he deserved.

Money

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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

He reportedly signed a contract that was worth nine million dollars.  He should be happy with this as he many teams thought of him as a washed up player.

Still Young

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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

One thing Merriman has going for him is that he is still a very young player. Although it seems like he has been in the league for an eternity, he has only been playing for 6 years.

He is still full of youth and if he could get healthy he will be a stud once again.

Hopefully Stay Healthy

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Shawne Merriman of the Buffalo Bills stands on the field prior to play against the Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Merriman was claimed this week after being waived by the San Diego Charge

Reports are saying that his injuries are all healed up and he is good to go for the Bills next season.  Hopefully this is true and he will be able to maintain that.

If he does not do well in this stint with the Bills it could be the end for his career in the NFL.

Speed

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebackers Shawne Merriman #56 and Larry Hart #59 of the San Diego Chargers celebrate a turnover against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Pho

Merriman will need to make sure that he is comes back faster and stronger than when he last appeared in the NFL.  The Chargers didn't release him just because they didn't like him, they released him because he was not the player he once was.

Working on his speed will allow him to become this player again.

Limit Off-Field Incidents

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SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 1: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers enters the field before the game against the Oakland Raiders on November 1, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Merriman really needs to work on this.  Staying out of trouble is important for him, and staying off the goods has also been a problem

Hopefully Merriman can get healthy the right way, without the help of steroids this time.

Practice Hard

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 8: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on November 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Chargers defeated the Giants 21-20. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Merriman needs to prove to the Bills coaching staff that he is ready to play, and needs to make sure to show up on time for camp, and play hard.  This is assuming we even have training camp this season with the lock-out a possibility. 

Opinion

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 15: Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers pursues the ball against the Seattle Seahawks on August 15, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

I think that Merriman will be back in full force this season. I don't think he will be able to put up the numbers he did when he was in his prime, but he should be able to be effective for the Bills.

He should help the Bills in what should be another rebuilding season.