The San Diego Chargers announced last week that they are officially out of the Shawne Merriman business. They placed him on IR, and will release him when he is healthy.
Merriman will not be a free agent though. He will be exposed to waivers, meaning all teams will have a shot to place a claim. Merriman has not been the same player since he was suspended for banned substance. Since he has battled injuries, inconsistent play and has feuded with the Chargers front office.
All that being said, when he was healthy, he was one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. His contract is up after this season and should cost somewhere in the neighborhood of two million dollars for the rest of the season. He probably doesn't fit the prototypical mold of a Mangini OLB, but could possibly add some teeth to a pass rush that has been non-existent for most of the season. Take him for a one season rental and decide if he is worth a better contract?
So what do you think, should the Browns place a waiver claim on Shawn Merriman when he is placed on waivers?