The Buffalo Bills claimed San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman off waivers today. That’s one of the few benefits to having the worst record in the NFL: top priority in the waiver wire. However, there are questions surrounding Merriman.
The former Charger exploded on to the NFL scene in 2005 and had three strong seasons through 2007. However, Merriman then missed all but one game of the 2008 season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery. He returned in 2009 to play 14 games, but recorded only four sacks (he had 39.5 sacks from 2005-2007). He played in three games this season for the Chargers before being placed on injured reserve. Against the Broncos, Merriman had three career sacks.
Merriman is also a high-profile case of testing positive for steroids in 2006. Was his early production in the NFL do to illegal substances? Let’s see what happens in Buffalo.