Merriman - Skins Related (Speculation)

[0mega]

http://www.pe.com/sports/football (http://www.pe.com/sports/football/stories/PE_Sports_Local_S_web_only_merriman_06.21966f2.htm l)


Merriman's contract expires after the 2009 season and there's already been talk that he'll get big free-agent money elsewhere, perhaps from the Washington Redskins. He grew up near Washington and played at Maryland. Or maybe the Chargers will make him their franchise player in 2010 and pay him a huge salary for one season.

Merriman has heard all the scenarios, and laughs about the one involving the Redskins.

"All that stuff to me is garbage," he said. "Whatever happens is going to happen. If that's the case, I'm going to make the best of it, period."

General manager A.J. Smith reportedly doesn't like Merriman's extracurricular activities. Merriman has various business ventures, and while on the injured reserve list last year he flew back and forth to Los Angeles once a week to appear on a football preview show.

Smith didn't return a call seeking comment on Merriman.

The GM added to speculation about Merriman's future by picking Larry English from Northern Illinois in the first round of last weekend's draft. English was a defensive end in college but the Chargers plan to put him at outside linebacker.

Nothing more then someones opinion - but interesting nonetheless. Fuel for some offseason discussion if nothing else.

[cyfar]

He's decent but I'd rather, not have a cheater playing for the Skins.

[adamyesme1111]

He's decent but I'd rather, not have a cheater playing for the Skins.


I agree with everything except the word decent.

[Renegade7]

This was already posting in ATN, but before this thread is closed, if he's a UFA next year; sign him. I want Orakpo to be just a DE and move Wynn and Daniels out of the starting lineup, and Merriman would allow that two happen and complete the defense. That's the makings a playmaking defense that win super bowls. Steelers and Ravens proved you can win championships with stellar defense and respectable offenses. Do it.

[0mega]

Yeah - the roids thing is a HUGE knock against him IMO - and the fact that people rarely talk about is curious to say the least.

That said, I believe that it would be extremely naive to believe that the majority of the players in the NFL are not on something illicit or illegal.

[CaliforniaSkin]

He's a lot more than just decent, but there is not way we can get him next year. There are two possible scenarios for next year:

A: New CBA in which case the cap is still in place and we won't have the cap room.

B: No new CBA so an uncapped year. Great, but in that case he's becomes a restricted FA and the time period to free agency becomes 6 years instead of 5.

Either case we can't get him.

[authentic]

he's going to be asking for BIG money come free agency. And since we've already signed big AL for that lottery contract, then I say no thanks.

[AKM311]

Yeah - the roids thing is a HUGE knock against him IMO - and the fact that people rarely talk about is curious to say the least.

That said, I believe that it would be extremely naive to believe that the majority of the players in the NFL are not on something illicit or illegal.

My personal opinion is that majority of the league takes steroids (some sort of it). The NFL is the only sport to me that seems to require it, in the way of what makes it entertaining to the fans.

The players in the NFL are now wayyy to strong, fast, and the adrenaline is off the radar compared to other sports. Majority have to be on something and the NFL knows.

That is just my personal opinion.

[usapatriot]

He's decent but I'd rather, not have a cheater playing for the Skins.
Why not we already have Hanesworth and he stomped on an onlinemans head. I wouldn't mind having him if we haven't found the SLB solution yet. Otherwise I don't like him personally but he can play.

[JDOZ84]

Good post, I was actually thinking about making a thread related to this... The possibility of the Skins playing a 3-4 in 2010....

LDE - Montgomery
RDE- Golston or Haynesworth (if we sign or draft a true NT)
NT- Haynesworth or Wilfork (if we sign him)
LOLB- Merriman (if we sign him)
LILB- McIntosh
RILB- Old Flectcher
ROLB- Orakpo
CB- Rogers
CB- Hall
FS- Landry
SS- Horton

That defense looks scary on paper.........

[addicted]

Pass on him, too expensive and not worth the contract demands. Plus he cheated. Nothing here to look at

[WhoRUSupposed2Be]

What were his extracurricular activities?

[Laxpunk2006]

Good post, I was actually thinking about making a thread related to this... The possibility of the Skins playing a 3-4 in 2010....

LDE - Montgomery
RDE- Golston or Haynesworth (if we sign or draft a true NT)
NT- Haynesworth or Wilfork (if we sign him)
LOLB- Merriman (if we sign him)
LILB- McIntosh
RILB- Old Flectcher
ROLB- Orakpo
CB- Rogers
CB- Hall
FS- Landry
SS- Horton

That defense looks scary on paper.........

Maybe on paper but we'd be really undersized at the LB position. The only real fits there would be Merriman and Orakpo, and they're both simply rush guys. That being said we'll see if Orakpo could be more than that this season as he attempts 4-3 OLB. I really don't think Monty or Golston would be good fits as 5 techniques, and it would be idiotic to put the "100 million dollar man" at a new position unless we're positive he can play it. Now I'm not saying Haynesworth can't play end, I'm well aware he played some 4-3 end in Tenn., I'm just saying if you have the top paid player at his position, he damn better play like the top player at that position. I'm not sure if he could be as good of a 3-4 DE, which is mostly a space eater, as he could a 4-3 DT. If he can't it's a foolish change.

I also don't see him as a NT. NT are usually big, fat, space eaters. This wouldn't be the best role for Haynesworth. Fletcher and Rocky are undersized for 3-4 ILB. I suppose they could bulk but but I don't like the idea of asking an already aging MLB to add weight to play a more abussive position. I understand he has been very durable but I don't think he could survive a season of 3-4 ILB at this point in his career.

Then again, it's very possible this could be what we do if it's Cowher in 2010, but I think we'd need a very solid defensive draft to go along with it and that means we aren't putting the picks towards the OL we need for now and the future.

[0mega]

My personal opinion is that majority of the league takes steroids (some sort of it). The NFL is the only sport to me that seems to require it, in the way of what makes it entertaining to the fans.

The players in the NFL are now wayyy to strong, fast, and the adrenaline is off the radar compared to other sports. Majority have to be on something and the NFL knows.

That is just my personal opinion.

I agree 100%

[0mega]

What were his extracurricular activities?

Business ventures mainly (I think).

[bgreg]

Great linebacker but we don't need a juicer here.

[SAli457180]

Good post, I was actually thinking about making a thread related to this... The possibility of the Skins playing a 3-4 in 2010....

LDE - Montgomery
RDE- Golston or Haynesworth (if we sign or draft a true NT)
NT- Haynesworth or Wilfork (if we sign him)
LOLB- Merriman (if we sign him)
LILB- McIntosh
RILB- Old Flectcher
ROLB- Orakpo
CB- Rogers
CB- Hall
FS- Landry
SS- Horton

That defense looks scary on paper.........

Although I don't believe that Merriman will come here if SD lets him walk, I don't think Montgomery is good enough to move outside and play DE.

[Oldskool]

Good post, I was actually thinking about making a thread related to this... The possibility of the Skins playing a 3-4 in 2010....

LDE - Montgomery
RDE- Golston or Haynesworth (if we sign or draft a true NT)
NT- Haynesworth or Wilfork (if we sign him)
LOLB- Merriman (if we sign him)
LILB- McIntosh
RILB- Old Flectcher
ROLB- Orakpo
CB- Rogers
CB- Hall
FS- Landry
SS- Horton

That defense looks scary on paper.........

Haynesworth isn't an NT. He's a 1 gap penetrating DT. Big difference there.

Neither Golston, Haynesworth or Monty are 5 technique DE's or have the body type to play that position.

Ask the Broncos, Chiefs and Packers how easy it is to plug and play 4-3 personnel into a 3-4 scheme after the end of this upcoming season.

[JDOZ84]

Maybe on paper but we'd be really undersized at the LB position. The only real fits there would be Merriman and Orakpo, and they're both simply rush guys. That being said we'll see if Orakpo could be more than that this season as he attempts 4-3 OLB. I really don't think Monty or Golston would be good fits as 5 techniques, and it would be idiotic to put the "100 million dollar man" at a new position unless we're positive he can play it. Now I'm not saying Haynesworth can't play end, I'm well aware he played some 4-3 end in Tenn., I'm just saying if you have the top paid player at his position, he damn better play like the top player at that position. I'm not sure if he could be as good of a 3-4 DE, which is mostly a space eater, as he could a 4-3 DT. If he can't it's a foolish change.

I also don't see him as a NT. NT are usually big, fat, space eaters. This wouldn't be the best role for Haynesworth. Fletcher and Rocky are undersized for 3-4 ILB. I suppose they could bulk but but I don't like the idea of asking an already aging MLB to add weight to play a more abussive position. I understand he has been very durable but I don't think he could survive a season of 3-4 ILB at this point in his career.

Then again, it's very possible this could be what we do if it's Cowher in 2010, but I think we'd need a very solid defensive draft to go along with it and that means we aren't putting the picks towards the OL we need for now and the future.

Yeah I feel you, but I was thinking more so in the role of Richard Seymore or Luis Castillo... Look at their roles for the Pats and Chargers..

[stoney26]

LMAO...You people really think Merriman getting caught using steroids is a huge knock against him?? Im willing to be more than 50% of the people in the NFL are currently on steroids or some sore of perfomance enhancers. If Merriman is available and the FO feels like he can help the team (which there is no doubt that he can) they would be stupid not to pursue him because of steroids. Get real people.

[stoney26]

Great linebacker but we don't need a juicer here.

So you really think there is not one player on the Redskins who is using some sort of steroid or HGH??

[MEANDWARF]

How many DEs do we need?

[Laxpunk2006]

Yeah I feel you, but I was thinking more so in the role of Richard Seymore or Luis Castillo... Look at their roles for the Pats and Chargers..

I'm not sure who/what position you are referring to here?

Both of these guys are 3-4 Ends, so I'm assuming you're talking about Haynesworth as a 5 tech, penetrating type role? I don't doubt that he could play the position. He might even be good at it. What I doubt is that he is worth the $41 guarunteed he'd be earning to play that position. It would be like telling Chris Cooley he's our new #2 WR. Could he do it? Yea. He'd even be okay at it, but to be successful you need to put your players in the best position to succeed in, especially when they have big contracts.

[Thirtyfive2seven]

I agree with the 3-4 sentiment only because I don't see the skins doing anything on offense this year and ZOrn gone

[Jahbird]

Why do, people put commas, in random, places?

Sorry, had to toss that in the arena. Merriman is a beast, but who knows how he will come back from that knee. If he doesnt rebound properly...Lavar all over again. We know how that mess ended up. What the hell though; it's still a Dan Snyder party right? Bring him in! A neighborhood in great falls needs another mansion.

[braindx]

How many DEs do we need?

Don't the giants have like 5-6 DEs?

I think some of their packages they were putting 3-4 DEs up front to generate pass rush.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

http://www.pe.com/sports/football (http://www.pe.com/sports/football/stories/PE_Sports_Local_S_web_only_merriman_06.21966f2.htm l)


General manager A.J. Smith reportedly doesn't like Merriman's extracurricular activities. Merriman has various business ventures, and while on the injured reserve list last year he flew back and forth to Los Angeles once a week to appear on a football preview show.

Lol at AJ Smith for being upset over a 45 minute flight.

[Yeen80]

He would have to prove he is 100% healthy first and foremost. I dont think he ever will be again

[Yeen80]

http://www.pe.com/sports/football (http://www.pe.com/sports/football/stories/PE_Sports_Local_S_web_only_merriman_06.21966f2.htm l)



Lol at AJ Smith for being upset over a 45 minute flight.

LOL. Its not even 45 min. Closer to 30 min in the air

[illone]

He could fit right in at SAM and be an extra pass rusher.

If he came to Washington the Skins would have one of the best pass rushes in the league:hysterical:. Worst to first in two seasons.

[Touchdown Redskins]

Why would we get him unless we're playing a 3-4? He's been criticized with having coverage issues, and I'm not sure he could do anything but rush the passer.

[Hitman#21]

Why would we get him unless we're playing a 3-4? He's been criticized with having coverage issues, and I'm not sure he could do anything but rush the passer.
If we switch to 3-4 i say hes a lock otherwise id pass.

[FrFan]

Cheating is allowed, getting caught is not.

[icbmayday]

That would be cheating with haynesworth being on the field at the same time

[Bang]

LMAO...You people really think Merriman getting caught using steroids is a huge knock against him?? Im willing to be more than 50% of the people in the NFL are currently on steroids or some sore of perfomance enhancers. If Merriman is available and the FO feels like he can help the team (which there is no doubt that he can) they would be stupid not to pursue him because of steroids. Get real people.

So we bring Merriman in, pay him a bunch, expect him to start, and he gets popped for steroids and is suspended for the year.

Hahaha! Hilarious! Man, that would be such a kick, wouldn't it? You have to be pretty stupid to not want potential problems like that.

Anyway, as to the belief that so many players are on steroids,, I dont' think there's any question that people will cheat if given the chance, but the NFL actively tests for it, and when they find it they take action, whether it's a star like Merriman or Rodney Harrison or not. Considering the workout regimens these guys put themselves through year-round, it's not too hard to envision they can become strong and fast without help. And considering the NFL is fairly dogged in their testing leads me to believe that not as many as we'd expect are on Performance Enhancers. People ask me how I can 'turn a blind eye" to steroids in the NFL and blast it in MLB as hard as I do. It's because the NFL does try to do something about it, No doubt some get away with it, but since they implemented their policy, they have always tried to curtail it. Baseball let it happen for a long time and only stepped in when people started asking questions.

~Bang

[theboomking]

As someone already stated, I think the only way we look at Merriman is if there is no cap. If that happens, Merriman won't be a free agent until 2011.

Merriman is listed at 6'4" and 272. I'm sure he could play DE and anchor against the run just as well, or better than Andre Carter. He will be 26 in 2011. Was it ever made clear exactly which ligaments were damaged? I thought it was not his ACL. Hopefully he should not have chronic knee problems, but you never know.

It will be much harder to obtain players in FA if there is no cap, as teams will have a 'Franchise' tag, which requires two 1sts as compensation if that player is signed by another team, and 2 'Transitional' tags, which requires a first and a third. Teams should be able to lock up most of their good players.

[Never4get#21]

Next season Rak will probably add some more bulk so he should move into the DE slot. Merriman would be a sick addition behind him!

[Taylor 36]

So we bring Merriman in, pay him a bunch, expect him to start, and he gets popped for steroids and is suspended for the year.

Hahaha! Hilarious! Man, that would be such a kick, wouldn't it? You have to be pretty stupid to not want potential problems like that.

Anyway, as to the belief that so many players are on steroids,, I dont' think there's any question that people will cheat if given the chance, but the NFL actively tests for it, and when they find it they take action, whether it's a star like Merriman or Rodney Harrison or not. Considering the workout regimens these guys put themselves through year-round, it's not too hard to envision they can become strong and fast without help. And considering the NFL is fairly dogged in their testing leads me to believe that not as many as we'd expect are on Performance Enhancers. People ask me how I can 'turn a blind eye" to steroids in the NFL and blast it in MLB as hard as I do. It's because the NFL does try to do something about it, No doubt some get away with it, but since they implemented their policy, they have always tried to curtail it. Baseball let it happen for a long time and only stepped in when people started asking questions.

~Bang

Thank you, Bang, for bringing some sense to this.

[Monk4theHall81]

Im sure Merriman is the ONLY guy in the NFL that has taken steroids

[Jim Bob]

I'd love to see Merriman on the Redskins.

But, I'm afraid that with the knee injury and getting some more mileage on him that it might be just another case where the Redskins pay premium $$$$$$ to a free agent and he ends up being past his prime......

But, adding Merriman to a defense with Haynesworth, Orakpo, and company would be siiiiiick.

[pjfootballer]

I love in this age of Steroids how people can be so judgemental when the best DE in Redskins history was kicked out of the league for a drug habit. He made a mistake and was suspended. Big Deal. I just want to win. Tired of losing. If it takes getting Merriman and his past, so be it.

[theboomking]

We'll see about Merriman. I wouldn't mind Suggs too much either. He is holding out of mini-camp. Lets hope he refuses to sign his franchise tender unless they agree not to franchise him again - as Haynesworth did.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4152342

Suggs didn't have his best season in 2007, recording a career-low five sacks. He started the season particularly slow and even though his sack numbers don't bear it out, Suggs is still a feared pass rusher in the prime of his impressive career. While he didn't light it up as a sack artist, Suggs did record his career high in tackles during the 2007 season and has become an all around defensive force. He can play a traditional defensive end with his hand on the ground or as a linebacker in the two-point stance with the ability to drop into coverage and handle the flats. He has a long, lean and athletic body and plays stronger than his frame would suggest. Suggs is very competitive and durable. He is a leader who shows excellent toughness in all regards. Suggs is an exceptional athlete with tremendous balance and body control. Plus, he is sudden and quick in all of his movements without getting out of control.

[stoney26]

So we bring Merriman in, pay him a bunch, expect him to start, and he gets popped for steroids and is suspended for the year.

Yeah....your right. It was soooooo stupid to bring in Haynesworth too. You know, pay him all this money and who knows, he might stomp someones face again and get suspended for the year. What a kick that would be. You would have to be pretty stupid to want potential problems like that.

There is a risk reward ratio to every player in the league. Just because Merriman got caught using steroids doesnt mean he will get caught again. And who knows, maybe he stopped.

As for players using performance enhancers, as long as there is no test for certain drugs like HGH and other "designer" type steroids, players will use them and nobody but them and their "doctor" will know. And in my opinion, which obviously is irrelevent, there are a lot using, probaly more than half the NFL.

[stoney26]

i love in this age of steroids how people can be so judgemental when the best de in redskins history was kicked out of the league for a drug habit. He made a mistake and was suspended. Big deal. I just want to win. Tired of losing. If it takes getting merriman and his past, so be it.

+1

[Art]

I'll state it clearly. If the Redskins sign a low-character drug using cheater, regardless if he's the best player in the game or not, I'll have very negative things to say about Snyder's parentage :).

[Art]

I love in this age of Steroids how people can be so judgemental when the best DE in Redskins history was kicked out of the league for a drug habit. He made a mistake and was suspended. Big Deal. I just want to win. Tired of losing. If it takes getting Merriman and his past, so be it.

Right or wrong, for better or worse, Manley wasn't a cheater. He abused recreational drugs, but he didn't give himself an edge over others. Merriman has. For most of us, recreational drug use is a substantially minor issue that likely should be legalized as people ought be allowed to make whatever individually destructive life actions they wish in this world, but, a sports fan to embrace a cheater is serious.

[theboomking]

Merriman is a stud. I don't like that he cheated, but there are lots in the league probably using these substances. Other teams won't be avoiding signing these players, and we can't really afford the competitive disadvantage.

Now that I saw Suggs holding out of Ravens mini-camp, what it really got me started thinking about was Julius Peppers. If Peppers can hold out long enough to get a clause that they can't franchise him again, he is ours in 2010, if 2010 is uncapped.

[fifthorkid88]

OMG!!!!!!!! Should We?????????

[James Moss]

LMAO...You people really think Merriman getting caught using steroids is a huge knock against him?? Im willing to be more than 50% of the people in the NFL are currently on steroids or some sore of perfomance enhancers. <snipped>
Thank you and your 50% is probably conservative.

[stoney26]

Thank you and your 50% is probably conservative.

Your probably right

[TheShredSkinz]

Lets see how he comes back this year first.

[James Moss]

And just to be clear; I am not taking a stance on the signing of Shawn Merriman as much as I am contributing information regarding often misstated and wildly exaggerated hysteria regarding performance enhancing substances in sports. In keeping with that spirit; if anyone wants to learn more, visit SteriodLaw.com (http://www.steroidlaw.com/)

:logo:

[BigMike619]

Merriman is leaving SD and thats almost guaranteed. Whether they tag him for 1 year or let him go after this one. They signed his backup to a long term deal and just drafted a kid that plays the same spot as him.

I call radio stations whenever he is on there and whenever I get to talk to him I always start off with "Fear the Turtle!!" he laughs and then I tell him to come home to the Skins and we will treat him right. SD sports shows hate me.

[IceDragon38]

Wha? No vet minimum + incentives post?







Crap.

[stoney26]

Merriman is leaving SD and thats almost guaranteed. Whether they tag him for 1 year or let him go after this one. They signed his backup to a long term deal and just drafted a kid that plays the same spot as him.

I call radio stations whenever he is on there and whenever I get to talk to him I always start off with "Fear the Turtle!!" he laughs and then I tell him to come home to the Skins and we will treat him right. SD sports shows hate me.

Lmao...Classic. I wish I lived in SD. What an awesome city.

[veteranskinsfan]

Merriman is leaving SD and thats almost guaranteed. Whether they tag him for 1 year or let him go after this one. They signed his backup to a long term deal and just drafted a kid that plays the same spot as him.

I call radio stations whenever he is on there and whenever I get to talk to him I always start off with "Fear the Turtle!!" he laughs and then I tell him to come home to the Skins and we will treat him right. SD sports shows hate me.
Good for you. Keep talking to him on the talk shows. We need a guy like him to be a part of our defense. San Diego is a great place to live. I wonder if Norv will be there next season.

[Santana_Fan]

Didn't know that many people disliked Merriman, even with his steroid issues.

[Metalhead]

My personal opinion is that majority of the league takes steroids (some sort of it). The NFL is the only sport to me that seems to require it, in the way of what makes it entertaining to the fans.

The players in the NFL are now wayyy to strong, fast, and the adrenaline is off the radar compared to other sports. Majority have to be on something and the NFL knows.

That is just my personal opinion.

I'm the same, 100%. The NFL has a weak policy and whenever someone does get caught, it's immediately swept under the rug. I look at the NFL today as exactly the same as the McGwire/Sosa homerun chase to break 61. It was in the back of everyone's minds, but too afraid to admit it.