The most nonsensical absence of the summer -- sorry Russell Okung -- has ended.
Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman signed his restricted free agent tender on Friday, as first reported by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Merriman quickly confirmed the news via Twitter.
“Just signed my tender and glad to be back with my teammates thanks to everyone,” Merriman said.
Merriman didn’t get anything out of skipping work other than missing the worst part of training camp, which may have been the idea all along. The Chargers didn’t promise not to trade him, although the possibility of a move never seemed realistic.
Set to make $3.269 million this year, Merriman has reached a crossroads in his career. He has to play a lot better than he did in 2009 to get the free agent contract in 2011 that he so desires.