Merriman is a RFA this year. I've read where SD does not want to keep him, and that they will look for a trade or possibly cut him. He has had some issues, being suspended for steroids in 06, and being arrested for choking a girlfriend last season. He also had a very bad year, coming off an injury. However, he is only 25, and "was" one of the best OLB's in the game. It's been reported that he is enamored with the LA celeb lifestyle. Hmmm, should we be interested? Joey does want to go west.
JP for SM straight up, do it.....but what will they want for him, 5th round at the very best for him....too much baggage...the FO may stray away from him too with all that baggage...plus do they want another guy who talks and is that flashy all the time...?
From what I've heard, AJ Smith was not thrilled about Merriman opening his mouth pretty often. Smith keeps files on his players and whenever they are in the media about something, he notes it. Apparently Merriman (and Cromartie) have a pretty lengthy file and are on their way out. I don't see how a Joey Porter-Shawne Merriman swap would get rid of a loudmouth on the team. Just my two cents.
Has he even been the same player after having to give up steroids? Has he really just been "hurt". Just wondering.
It depends on what SD does. He would be a FA if no offer is given. FYI, I saw a few mock drafts where Berry is dropping to #7-8. That would be something to consider trading up.
I don't think I would be interested in signing him. When he was on roids, he was a beast. Once he was found out, he hasn't been nearly as good. He has been below average when he was on the field. Missing too much time with knee problems and then throw in the off the field issues. I'd steer clear of him. Just my opinion.
I think Merriman may be one of those cats that roids allowed him to put on to much muscle mass and his intramuscular system is severly weakened. Imho he will/could be "that guy" who constantly has pulled hamstrings and achilles problems and knee issues, he is powerful but fragile if one get's my meaning?
How much of the pro bowl was just name recognition? We see it every year. A player should make it one year and doesn't. Later his name is synonymous with pro-bowls so people just vote for the name, even after they didn't really deserve it. I've done it myself. Looking at the pro bowl names and saying IDK that name so I vote for a familiar name. I'm not saying he didn't earn it that year, just questioning his being good enough to be a Pro Bowler.
if healthy, as i've stated all season long - that he would be a #1 target in FA ... uncapped year hurts that a bit. IF he truly is 100% healthy, he would be worth the trade, as he would immediately impact our defense.
I had the same question. In 07, after the steroids, he had 68 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 FF's. He did earn it.
I'd much rather let someone else pay an obscene amount of money for Merriman. If we're going to shell out the big beans, then spend it on a more reliable guy: Karlos Dansby
Not too interested in the non steroid version of Merriman, not to mention he and JT probably wouldn't be a good fit togethor there were some insults thrown around few years ago when JT was DPOY that didn't seem very friendly.
To me it would depend on who else makes it to free agency. I would take Dansby, Rolle even Antonio Bryant over Shawne. I think he can be a force at times, but similar to Padre I think hes gonna have a laundry list of nagging injuries in his future that will hamper him.
Are 36 Total tackles (10 assists) and 4 sacks Pro Bowl numbers these days? If they are, I guess the Pro Bowl isn't what it used to be. I'll pass. Without the steroids this guys name is far bigger than his numbers.
I think an incentive laden contract and a trade for a late round pick this year and the 'possibility' of a earlier pick next if he meets certain criteria wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm not sure if theres a LB with his kind of talent in this entire draft.
