By Justin Worsley
San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman has signed his restricted free agent tender, according to his Twitter account.
"Just signed my tender and glad to be back with my teammates thanks to everyone," Merriman said earlier today on Twitter.
The former Maryland star has spent his entire career in San Diego and was refusing to sign the tender because he felt the organization was going to trade him. San Diego selected Merriman, 26, with the 12th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, a pick obtained by the team as part of the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade with the New York Giants.
Merriman started his career off on a high note, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2005 as well as being named the three All-Pro teams and three Pro Bowls between 2005-07. In 2006, Merriman posted 17 sacks, however, he has only posted 16.5 sacks in the three following seasons combined.
Merriman was one of three holdouts for the Chargers this season. Wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeil have refused to sign their tenders because they both desire long term deals. Both players have gone as far as saying that they will sit out the first 10 games of the season. A player must be on a roster for a minimum of six games in order for it to count as an accrued season in their contracts, which would bring them into unrestricted free agency quicker.
Merriman's contract was reported to be for $3,269,000 in a one-year deal.
Correlating with his recent struggles on the field, Merriman has also recently faced legal trouble. Last September, Merriman was arrested for battery and false imprisonment against his then-girlfriend, television personality Tila Tequila. The charges, however, were dismissed a week later.
The Chargers have had a busy offseason and are an early favorite to win the AFC West division for the fifth-straight season.
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