Former Charger Shawne Merriman Picked Up By Buffalo

By Jesse Rousseau

The Buffalo Bills decided to take a chance on Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman after he was waived by San Diego yesterday.

The 26-year-old linebacker spent his first 5 ½ seasons with the Chargers, who took him in the first round of the 2005 draft. The Bills had first pick in the waiver-claim process because of their league-worst 0-7 record. They hope the pick-up will help bolster their defense, which ranks 29th out of the 32 NFL teams.

“This is a good opportunity to make our team better,” said Bills General Manager Buddy Nix. According to the team's statement, the Bills placed offensive tackle Cornell Green on injured reserve to make room for the linebacker.

Merriman, who is known for being a standout player, has been limited this season. In 5 games, he only recorded 6 tackles. Compare that to his commanding rookie season, in which he recorded 57 total tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles. The former University of Maryland linebacker was elected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three pro seasons.