Getty ImagesOn Wednesday, we shared some words from an interview with Shawne Merriman in which he said he was waiting for a 3-4 team in need of an outside linebacker to give him a call before he could continue his career.
Merriman got a call, but he isn’t yet continuing his career. Aaron Wilson of Scout.com reports that Merriman visited with the 49ers on Wednesday before they wound up bringing back training camp cut Eric Bakhtiari instead. The Niners had a need for a linebacker to fill in while Clark Haggans is serving his three-game suspension and opted for a guy who has been with the team or on the practice squad on and off over the last few years instead of bringing Merriman on board.
Haggans’ suspension seemed to make San Francisco a good fit for Merriman, especially since they wouldn’t be relying on him to do much in the way of heavy lifting for the defense. That wouldn’t be as true in Washington, where the Redskins need to replace Brian Orakpo at outside linebacker, but it could be another place where Merriman earns a look.
Getting the look is just part of the story, though. Getting the job is the other, more difficult part of the process.
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Why don’t the Ravens sign him?
I don’t think the 49ers have the salary cap to sign Merriman. He would have been a great addition if he played for us and stayed healthy.
It’s wild to look at his fall from grace. Could his success be completely attributed to HGH or whatever he was using? Did he ever return to form after being found out?
There is a reason that he isnt in Buffalo this year. They could use a pash rushing LB (what team couldnt) and Buffalo certainly had an opening for another pass rusher. Face it, Shawne is finished. If he hadnt fit in Buffalo’s plans, and was still a viable player, somebody would have jumped at the chance..
I am only shocked that NE doesnt sign him to pick his brain then cut him an hour after the game.. that seems to be their M.O.
It’s looking bleak when a team thinks a journeyman type practice squad guy is the better choice.
He must be done they are looking for back up help and I think this is the second time the Niners have taken a look at him. Then they decided to bring back Bakhtiari instead Speaks volumes about Merriman. I guess it was the PED’s
Take heed Green Bay before you give that long term contract to a certain pass rusher.
I think its lights out on his career !!
Eric Bhakarti played on special teams for the niners..he had a one up on merrimen