Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the San Diego Chargers will place the highest restricted free agent tender on outside linebacker Shawne Merriman.
Knee injuries have limited Merriman to just 15 games over the last two seasons, but the 6-4, 265-pound linebacker has 225 tackles, 43.5 quarterback sacks and three Pro Bowls (2005-07) since being chosen in the first round (12th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. Merriman was also named the AP's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005, and followed that up with a 17-sack performance in 2006, despite being suspended for four games after violating the NFL's steroid policy.
Last season, Merriman earned $2.792 million dollars. 110% of that salary is $3,269,200, which is $1,200 more than the $3.268M amount the 1st and 3rd round RFA tender for a player with five (5) accrued seasons is worth.
If another club signs Merriman to an offer sheet, which the Chargers decline to match, they'll be required to compensate the Chargers with a first- and third-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
