ESPN NFL LIVE and Adam Sceftner confirm Bills have claimed Shawn Merriman

[Extremebillsfan247]

Where would he line up on our defense, and what will the LB lineup look like once he is here?

[bigbub2352]

Watching it live now
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5760807

[Northern Stampede]

RIGHT ON!!!!!

[cocamide]

Very happy about this!

[T-Long]

You gotta admit, it's a win-win move. Nice work Buddy.

[TacklingDummy]

Told you I wouldn't believe it until Adam said so.

[BillsWin]

Good move for the Bills, best case scenario: We got a pro bowl outside linebacker.

Most likely scenario: We still upgraded our awful linebacking corps.

Worst scenario: We don't re-sign him.

Great move by the Bills' front office in my opinion.

[Ebenezer]

Shocked but happy.

[TacklingDummy]

The Buffalo Bills have claimed former San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman on waivers, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Merriman must report to the Bills within the next five days or he'll be placed on the Reserve/Left Squad list and would not be able to play the rest of the season, at which point his status would be determined by the next collective bargaining agreement. At the moment, Merriman plans to report to Buffalo, sources told Schefter. He is not, however, expected to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5760807

[Ed]

I'm intrigued, but I won't like the move unless he re-signs.

[TacklingDummy]

Just ordered my Merriman 56 jersey.

Ellison better give it up.

[BADTHINGSMAN]

Awesome, now wait for Buffalo to not use him.

[Ickybaluky]

All that sucking finally is paying dividends for the Bills.

[Figster]

ProFootballTalk (http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk) (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/)
Shawne Merriman: "plans" to report to Bills http://bit.ly/codHKS

[bigbub2352]

for the 1st time this season...I AM ****ING EXCITED...thank you buddy nix...sign him long term 3yr deal

[imbondz]

it means nothing if he can't play or never returns to his 'Roid form.

[cocamide]

All that sucking finally is paying dividends for the Bills.

All that sucking has sure paid large dividends for Brady.

[Extremebillsfan247]

We stole him from Miami who also wanted him? fantastic. I'm on board with that.

[HAMMER]

for the 1st time this season...I AM ****ING EXCITED...thank you buddy nix...sign him long term 3yr deal

No need to rush into a new deal, that would be silly. See what happens for at least six games before making any decisions.

[RockStar36]

@Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) FWIW, Tampa Bay and Miami also put in waiver claims for LB Shawne Merriman. (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/29602143798)

[bigbub2352]

No need to rush into a new deal, that would be silly. See what happens for at least six games before making any decisions.

I agree... just want to see us build for the future

[Dr. Lecter]

:lolpoint: :squish:

[Philagape]

it means nothing if he can't play or never returns to his 'Roid form.

He's a big name!!! Be quiet and wave your pom-poms!!

[streetkings01]

it means nothing if he can't play or never returns to his 'Roid form.Well someone should get the man some roids then!

[Figster]

This is great news for the Buffalo Bills and really made for an exciting afternoon.


************************* :gobills: ************************

[justasportsfan]

who do you think we'll be cutting from the roster?

[HAMMER]

Maybin

[X-Era]

This is a quality move. If we were displacing a top notch starter for him, no. If we were displacing a guy who's ready to become a star in the NFL as a backup, no. But were not doing any of that and we are adding a guy who has been a star and is 26 for a small amount of money.

And I will say this now, having the guy here will potentially pay huge dividends in our ability to resign him if we choose to. Players get used to playing for a team, get used to the coaches, schemes, and learn to like the other players. All of that matters... a lot.

[X-Era]

who do you think we'll be cutting from the roster?Corto.

[justasportsfan]

I hope we don't give him a copy of the key to the city. TO has the original.

[Mr. Pink]

Color me unimpressed.

[Pinkerton Security]

Color me unimpressed.
surprise surprise.

[Mr. Pink]

surprise surprise.


We got a has been rent-a-player for 8 games.

Should I be jumping for joy instead?

[Beebe's Kid]

I'm intrigued, but I won't like the move unless he re-signs.

Wheww...as long as you find a way to be unhappy, that's what's important.

[Dr. Lecter]

who do you think we'll be cutting from the roster?
McCarbust

[Beebe's Kid]

He's a big name!!! Be quiet and wave your pom-poms!! Why would you want to do that?

You should complain they never sign anybody, then complain if they do, then complain that they didn't sign somebody else, then complain about...and on and on.

Dude, you should try some Prozac...

[djjimkelly]

right on we actually have a gamer as an lb now

[bigbub2352]

McCarbust


agree

mccargo is worthless

[Night Train]

I'm more curious than happy, since his post roid body has basically deteriorated to the point he cannot mend and has lost lots of body mass. It's probably a longshot he'll ever regain form. Hope is something, I suppose.

[cocamide]

I'm more curious than happy, since his post roid body has basically deteriorated to the point he cannot mend and has lost lots of body mass. It's probably a longshot he'll ever regain form. Hope is something, I suppose.
I'm worried about his health too, but then again, we all thought Takeo was washed up and deteriorated.

[Philagape]

Why would you want to do that?

You should complain they never sign anybody, then complain if they do, then complain that they didn't sign somebody else, then complain about...and on and on.

Dude, you should try some Prozac...

Because we haven't had anything to complain about for the past 10 years?

I'm not complaining about the signing. They got him for free.

But why should I be excited? Anyone fondly remember the Terrell Owens era? He was a much bigger signing.

[Pinkerton Security]

We got a has been rent-a-player for 8 games.

Should I be jumping for joy instead?

No. I dont expect him to come in and have 10 sacks but if he can make us a little better, then I'm all for it. If not, we wont try to sign him at end of year. I guess you're right, its nothing to get excited about yet but the guy USED TO be able to flat-out eat tackles alive, so if there's any chance he can get near there, why not be a bit optimistic?

[Philagape]

No. I dont expect him to come in and have 10 sacks but if he can make us a little better, then I'm all for it.

2-14 instead of 1-15?

[Buddo]

If he's fit enough to get on the field, he'll certainly improve our pass rush, even if they only use him there.
It also has to be said, that sometimes the addition of a better player, gives more opportunities for those around him. The Bills D will not go from 'garbage to great', even with a pre-injuries Merriman, but they might manage to go from 'garbage to mediocre', and if the offense can continue to put points on the board, it could do quite a bit to improve results.
IF Merriman is going to be fit, even as a 'lesser' player than he was, he can still be a useful addition for some years to come, bearing in mind his age.
It's pretty much a 'win-win' for the Bills, as he isn't going to cost them that much, even if he doesn't pan out, but if he does, then we have a lot more to build on all of a sudden, and next years draft could have one less position that needs looking at.

[Mr. Pink]

No. I dont expect him to come in and have 10 sacks but if he can make us a little better, then I'm all for it. If not, we wont try to sign him at end of year. I guess you're right, its nothing to get excited about yet but the guy USED TO be able to flat-out eat tackles alive, so if there's any chance he can get near there, why not be a bit optimistic?


Other part of this is our defense...

When do we blitz? Does George believe in calling blitzes?

So with that being said, our defensive philosophy plus what Merriman shows he now brings to the table, what is there to even be optimistic about?

His leadership?

[Pinkerton Security]

2-14 instead of 1-15?

how about 1-15 instead of 0-16? i know I'd rather have 1 win instead of 0, and 2 instead of 1, so to answer your question, yes!

[Extremebillsfan247]

Corto. Probable but I'll laugh pretty hard if Gailey has to break the news to Merriman that he will be playing special teams. lol

[Pinkerton Security]

Other part of this is our defense...

When do we blitz? Does George believe in calling blitzes?

So with that being said, our defensive philosophy plus what Merriman shows he now brings to the table, what is there to even be optimistic about?

His leadership?

There is optimism that he COULD potentially be a good fit in the 3-4 that from what I've read is still our end goal, maybe not this year but in the future. If you cant admit that then there's no need to waste my energy.

[Mr. Pink]

There is optimism that he COULD potentially be a good fit in the 3-4 that from what I've read is still our end goal, maybe not this year but in the future. If you cant admit that then there's no need to waste my energy.


I could admit that if I feel there is any chance for him to even be around next year.

Like I said, he's an 8 week rent-a-player.

[Figster]

(http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/)
Tim Graham ESPN tweet: I'm willing to admit when I have a wrong-headed opinion. ... NFL folks I trust surprised Bills actually grabbed Merriman but love the move.

[X-Era]

Probable but I'll laugh pretty hard if Gailey has to break the news to Merriman that he will be playing special teams. lolNah, theres a whole host of players that deserve to be demoted to ST's... I dont think thats much of an issue.

[PromoTheRobot]

(http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/)
Tim Graham ESPN tweet: I'm willing to admit when I have a wrong-headed opinion. ... NFL folks I trust surprised Bills actually grabbed Merriman but love the move.
Translation: I totally whiffed on this story.

PTR

[Extremebillsfan247]

We got a has been rent-a-player for 8 games.

Should I be jumping for joy instead?If you never try, then you never know. This team in no way gets hurt by this move. It's more of an 8 game try out for both Merriman and Buffalo. If it works out, it gives you a cornerstone to build your defense around. If it doesn't, we can wash our hands of him at the end of the year. We also stole him from Miami. Even if he never plays a snap here, I would much rather him be a nonfactor here than to add more potential firepower to the defense of a rival in our own division. Yeah, on those bases alone, there is reason to jump for joy. JMO

[DynaPaul]

Good pickup. Even if he isn't as good as he used to be he's at least better than what we got now.

[Bangarang]

It seems like some people are trying to find the negatives in this pick up. There are none. Move on.

[Dujek]

Hmmm, claiming an injured Chargers player off waivers.

That could never work out (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kemp)...

[Lexwhat]

We got a has been rent-a-player for 8 games.

Should I be jumping for joy instead?

I don't understand the issue? Merriman is what he is. The guy was once a superstar that hasen't done anything in awhile. He is also more competitive than almost any player on our roster.

Seriously, what's the worst that can happen? He leaves after this season and all we (i.e. Ralph Wilson) lose is $2 million dollars. Who cares?

There is potential for reward in this scenario. I won't go into the possibilities because it's better to just wait and see what happens.


However, let me give you a name of another linebacker who was once a "has been" and then came back to become a key player with another team: Jonathan Vilma


Should you be jumping for joy? No.
Should you acknowledge that the move was a smart one and could pay dividends? I believe so.

[tampabay25690]

I say we let him get 100%% and use him very little or not at all this year so we have him ready for next year........

[Mr. Pink]

If you never try, then you never know. This team in no way gets hurt by this move. It's more of an 8 game try out for both Merriman and Buffalo. If it works out, it gives you a cornerstone to build your defense around. If it doesn't, we can wash our hands of him at the end of the year. We also stole him from Miami. Even if he never plays a snap here, I would much rather him be a nonfactor here than to add more potential firepower to the defense of a rival in our own division. Yeah, on those bases alone, there is reason to jump for joy. JMO


Last thing I'll say on this thread...

This is a typical move this franchise makes. To the T even. Go out, sign a big name, have everyone go goo goo ga ga over it. Sell some more tickets because of said big name player.

The sad part is 3/4 of the fanbase buys into this BS year after year.

Instead of doing it in the offseason, we decided to do it on the waiver wire instead.

[sqad5]

outside blitz er

[Figster]

who do you think we'll be cutting from the roster?




Per TG : Bills place Cornell Green on IR to make room for Shawne Merriman.

[dannyek71]

Kicker

Who do we release?

[TacklingDummy]

3 pages and no ones said it? I will, CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

[X-Era]

Its official, and Green goes to the IR.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3/Bills-claim-LB-Merriman/9be2b73e-df71-4a0a-9d7e-7493e11259df

[Extremebillsfan247]

Just heard it on WGR550.

[X-Era]

How Maybin sees it.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3/Maybin-sees-Merriman-helping-team-and-him/1dc7e834-d975-416a-8b4d-0785157aeff0

[cocamide]

This will make a lot of people happy.

[Extremebillsfan247]

Does this bench Torbor, or Kelsay? Whose job is he taking?

[McBFLO]

Fantastic signing, that Cornell Green.

[X-Era]

Merging these for your viewing pleasure.

[TacklingDummy]

Is he even in game shape?
Although this move is a nice gesture, it won't mean anything unless the Bills sign him for a longer deal.

[PromoTheRobot]

Is he even in game shape?
Although this move is a nice jester, it won't mean anything unless the Bills sign him for a longer deal.

The word is "gesture". This is a nice jester (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/4129313/2/istockphoto_4129313-cartoon-court-jester.jpg).

PTR

[TacklingDummy]

The word is "gesture". This is a nice jester (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/4129313/2/istockphoto_4129313-cartoon-court-jester.jpg).

PTR
Just finished reading the book by James Patterson called Jester.

[X-Era]

Is he even in game shape?
Although this move is a nice jester, it won't mean anything unless the Bills sign him for a longer deal.
I think at 26, with his career taking a dive, and having friends on our team and having played for us for 8 weeks at that point, and from potentially feeling like a part of the team... I think our chances get way better for doing just that.

[Jeff1220]

Now what happens?

[bluerosekiller]

How Maybin sees it.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-3/Maybin-sees-Merriman-helping-team-and-him/1dc7e834-d975-416a-8b4d-0785157aeff0

Well, if nothing else, maybe this will give Maybin the guidence & inspiration that he needs to finally make something of his NFL career.

Let's hope so.

[TacklingDummy]

Now what happens?
Tries to get in game shape, gets hurt, season over.

[X-Era]

Well, if nothing else, maybe this will give Maybin the guidence & inspiration that he needs to finally make something of his NFL career.

Let's hope so.It's a significant potential fringe benefit. I like this move a lot. I didnt think we had the guts, I said we should yesterday, I think this is a good move.

Do I think we have solved our pass rushing problems with this one move, absolutely not. Do I think we have found all we need at LB'er? no.

But could this guy end up being part of a long term solution where we have waves of rushers, and does it add quality to our questionable LB crops? Absolutely.

[Ed]

Wheww...as long as you find a way to be unhappy, that's what's important.
I'm not looking for a way to be unhappy. Not sure where you got that. I hope he plays well and we re-sign him, but if he plays well and goes somewhere else I'll be disappointed and so will everyone else.

[Nighthawk]

I'm intrigued, but I won't like the move unless he re-signs.

Why? If he doesn't resign, I believe we get a compensatory pick...there is no downside to this move!

[PromoTheRobot]

Just finished reading the book by James Patterson called Jester.
I've done that too.

PTR

[paranoid]

Now what happens?

He gets to play for a top-notch defensive coordinator who is able to fully utilize his talents with creative blitz packages and schemes that keep offensive coordinators up at night...

HAHA! Just kidding!

[ParanoidAndroid]

Why? If he doesn't resign, I believe we get a compensatory pick...there is no downside to this move!

He has to start a bunch of games for the Bills to get compensation.

[X-Era]

Can we cut Keith Ellison so Shawne can have his number on our team?

[BertSquirtgum]

i have a boner..........too soon?

[Dr. Lecter]

Why? If he doesn't resign, I believe we get a compensatory pick...there is no downside to this move!
They only get compensatory picks if they have a net loss of FAs. So he might help, but won't guarantee anything.