San Diego Chargers Offseason Position Needs, Part 8: Outside Linebacker

April 15, 2010   ·   Paul Preibisius   ·   Jump to comments

San Diego's need at outside linebacker is completely dependent on how they view current starter Shawne Merriman.
 
The restricted free agent tender afforded Merriman only guarantees they will be able to retain his services for one year.  Unless they can strike a long term deal they will once more be forced to deal with the issue of his contract next offseason.
That long-term deal is not very likely in the current climate.  Merriman has been something of a dissident this offseason while management would likely want to assess his ability after back to back seasons where injury either kept him off the field or slowed when on it.
Draftee Larry English showed flashes of athleticism while making the transition from DE to rush linebacker, batting down passes and posting two sacks in a reserve role.
He probably is not built to handle the lead-rusher’s role however.  He, like current starter Shaun Phillips, are best utilized as the second rush-...

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