Chargers LB Merriman will report for training camp despite contract issue

Just like other Chargers’ veterans such as wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill, the San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman is also making his efforts to get a long-term contract from the team. But unlike Jackson and McNeill, Merriman does not plan to hangout in his favorite Brett Favre jersey during the training camp. Instead, he is planning to be a full participant in the camp.

At age 26, Merriman is now almost two full years removed from reconstructive knee surgery, and working out in training camp would be helpful in improving his strength. Even if he wants to leave to play in New Orleans Saints jerseys once the contract talks breaks, Merriman still needs a good health condition to prove he can be valuable to the defending champion team.

"Because of the things he’s been through, he would benefit greatly from having a full, great training camp and getting back to doing the things he does healthy," coach Norv Turner told The San Diego Union-Tribune. I don’t care who you are, if you’re not 100 percent … there are things you can’t do that you used to do, you’re not instinctive. The way you get those things back is by going 100 mph and practicing."

Saints added rookie DE Sharpe to roster

Remaining undrafted when the three-day 2010 NFL draft ended on Saturday afternoon, former Texas Tech defensive end Brandon Sharpe finally received an contract offer from the New Orleans Saints on Monday, joining his former teammate in the Red Raiders, offensive guard Brandon Carter.


Actually, Sharpe was previously to be picked in the first round as the ESPN had ranked him as the 22nd best defensive end in the draft. He indeed deserves the rank with a latest school record of the most sacks in a season he made in his last college season. Having one solo sack in 2008 season, Sharpe burst out with 15 sacks in 2009 season, with four solo sacks ruing the Nebraska game. He also had four two-solo-sack games last season. Besides, the 15 sacks that totaled for a loss of 104 yards also ranked the second most on a national basis.

Sharpe and Carter are expected to make their first appearance in New Orleans Saints jerseys next week, when the team’s three-day rookie minicamp started on May 7 and ended on May 9. Both rookies will try their best to impress the coaches with hope of getting playing time in preseason and regular season.