San Diego first-rounder inks deal

By John Onan  |   Tuesday, August 02, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

San Diego Chargers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
San Diego Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith announced that the team has signed their first-round draft pick, linebacker Shawn Merriman, out of the University of Maryland. Smith expressed that the team was excited to get the 12th overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft into camp so they can get him integrated into the defense as soon as possible.

Merriman was a defensive standout in his three years at Maryland, but his stock didn't rise until he became a full-time starter in 2004, where he amassed 85 tackles1 (7 for a loss) and added 8 sacks. Merriman was expected to begin practice with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday, ending a holdout that last about a week.

The two sides got off to a rocky start after Shawn Merriman skipped off-season workouts. His agent, Kevin Polston, expressed concerns about the possibility of his client suffering an injury before he was under contract, ala cornerback Carlos Rogers, the Washington Redskins top selection. Rogers suffered a foot fracture during the Redskins mini-camp in June. The five-year contract for Merriman is said to be worth a reported $11.33 million over five seasons.

Merriman said he was speechless when reached by phone by a reporter at his home while awaiting his flight plans to San Diego. He said he was surprised but relieved that the deal came off without a hitch. He stated that he was excited to get to San Diego and get to work.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report