ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

We got plenty of responses this week from San Diego Chargers fans. The question was: should San Diego sign Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman to a long-term contract or let him walk as soon as next year?

It was nearly unanimous. Chargers' fans want Merriman to stay. That's the only call I can see, as well. Merriman is a difference-maker. The Chargers found out how much Merriman means to the team when he missed all but one game last season.

Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Larry from Pasco: Hey Bill, I think most people are screaming for the Chargers to sign Merriman to a long-term contract after what happened to the defense last year. However, I think AJ Smith is taking the right approach of wait and see. Merriman is no doubt a star and a top-ten defensive player when healthy, but he is coming off a major knee injury, and decided against surgery in the 2008 off-season. Furthermore, multiple doctors?, including the Chargers head physician, advised him to have the surgery. The Chargers hold all of the cards in this situation. Merriman is schedule to be a free-agent at the end of this coming season, but the team can wait and see how he performs coming of the injury and use the franchise tag for the 2010 season. Furthermore, this gives the team more time to sign other potential free-agents like Philip Rivers, and Antonio Gates. I want the Chargers to sign him to a long-term deal, but I think they are making the right move to wait and see how he performs in the 2009 season. Thanks for all of you work on the blog Larry

Montreal: Merriman is the best and its obvious AJ does not want him mainly because the Spanos' do not want to pay that kind of money to keep him. I would like him to stay but sometimes this organization does not get it and lets some good players go in the case of Merriman. Mario

Doug Bell: Hi Bill, I hope last year showed the Chargers what Merriman brings to the defense as they fell flat on their faces without him. He is the heart and soul of that squad. While I'm happy that they drafted some young pass rushers this year, there are just some guys that can't be replaced and Merriman is a prime example. They should definitely sign him long term. I don't think it will happen right away with some of the other contracts that need to be completed like Rivers and Gates, but it should happen as soon as possible.

Bryan from Corona: Hey Bill, I'm a little worried AJ wont be Signing Shawn to a long term deal. I havent liked AJ's work the last few years and I think this could be a disaster if SD cant keep him. Has AJ commented in regards to Merriman lately?

Gator Halpern from San Diego: I think we all saw how integral Merriman is to the Chargers defense last season. The team just wasn't the same without such a ferocious pass rusher. Opposing teams have to game plan against Merriman, and often double teaming him opens up gaps for Phillips and our DE's to get to the QB. Without Merriman the Chargers can't consistently get pressure the quarterback, and good teams will pick us apart. We can't afford to lose the most game changing OLB in the NFL.

Jason from Pasadena: In regards to Merriman...As a die hard Chargers Fan... BRING HIM BACK PLEASE!!! You have your leader on Offense in Phillip Rivers and Shawne Merriman is your leader on defense. Probably more so for the overall team than Rivers. Take this into account...When Shawne Merriman was out last year the defense dropped to the bottom 5 in the league. Now, not taking anything away from Phillip Rivers, would the Chargers do that bad offensively if Rivers were to get injured and Billy Volek was to carry us? I think so. But I could be wrong like I have before. For example, I've written you at least 20 times and haven't had a response yet. I must be saying something wrong. Ha!

Brad from Vegas: Need to re-sign him. He is an impact player you can build your team around. I know the Chargers have a dilema on signing their free agents in the next couple of years, but Merriman is a disruptive force that teams have to plan around. And that makes everyone else on your defense better.

Larry: No way I want SD to sign Merriman. I'm a KC fan. SD letting him go would be stoooopid!

BB from Los Angeles: San Diego has to sign Shawne Merriman to long term contract. They simply are not the same team and defense without him.

James from Tampa: Hey Bill, I really hope the Chargers make re-signing Merriman a top priority. His on-field numbers are among the best in his position over the last four years but more importantly it was his time away from football last year that was the icing on the cake. As a long time Charger fan I had the displeasure of watching a once dominant pass rush totally fade into anonymity. Our secondary has always been very fragile and will continue to be so if opposing quarterbacks are allowed to pick us apart at a leisurely pace. In addition, his on-field energy (including the Lights Out dance) raises the intensity level of the entire defense, not to mention the home crowd. Besides, do we really want this guy lining up against Rivers in the near future? Really enjoy your posts Bill, keep up the great work!

Anthony L from San Diego: How do you not sign him? he is 24 years old, with only the prime waiting. he is your leader, before every game he was still trying to pump your defense. He is a cornerstone to the defense in San Diego. i understand that he has big money waiting, but got to make room to keep him, KC has the money to sign him, that means we would have to see him twice a year, he can become what ray lewis is for the ravens. at least put the tag on him for another to find more money, cuz after 2010 there isnt going to be a salary cap Thanks Bill

Ben: Personally, I think that the chargers are hoping that the CBA does not come to an agreement untill after the start of next season, so merriman would still be a RFA. However, it a new deal is done, and we franchise him, I personally believe that there would be plenty of teams that would give up two 1st for him, with him being only 25. That being said, AJ's selection of English really was a smart move. Either way, I believe Merriman will go for the $, which was the whole reason why he opted out or delayed surgey at the end of last year, so he could make the requirements in order to recieve maximum payment of his contract. Also if the CBA is not renewed, and Merriman is a charger in the through 2011, Sean philips contract ends in 2012, If I were AJ, I'd hope for that scenario and trade Philips for more cap room and sign Merriman to a long term contract. People have to game plan for him, and when that happens it makes your whole team better.

Bryan from Temecula, Ca: I think with Merriman coming back at full strength the Bolts will have their kick again that was lacking last year. He is the leader of that defense and not having him in all but one game hurt them a lot. Just seeing him in the huddle before the game on TV pumps me up i cant imagine what its like having him right in your face. His pass rush will force a lot of bad passes which will help out that horrible performance last season by the defensive backs. Watch out for SDs defense this season its gonna be awesome.

San Diego: I personally want to see Merriman back in San Diego with a long term contract. Not only is he a beast on the field but he's been a fine citizen who has contributed his time and money to various organizations and causes. I hope he is fully recovered and shows AJ Smith that he can still play and be a game changer. If he can do that AJ better sign him. Regarding his extracurricular activities, as long as he is making the team better and plays at a high level than his Hollywood stint shouldn't matter. He's not breaking any laws.

Steve from San Diego, CA: Even if we missed him on our defense greatly this past season and probably cost us few games, it did prove one thing to the management. That SM is a force to be reckon with and a defensive leader that will get the team to big dance. Opposing teams didn't respect our pass rush at all and passed on us all over the field. Contract extension conversation should start at around half way point of the season to see if he's back to his old self.

John from Placentia: Bill, It is inconceivable to me that the Chargers brass would allow a personality conflict or the fact that AJ does not like Merriman's off-field activities to get in the way of a long term contract and allow one of the top 5 most dominant defensive players in the NFL today to walk; he turns 25 later this month and still has his best football ahead of him. The drafting of him was a great move and letting him go would be an equally bad move.

Matt from Chicago: Bill, easy call here. Just look at San Diego's defense last year without him. Without his pass rush, it really exposed the secondary, particularly the safeties and linebackers that were in coverage. Even if Larry English turns out to be a productive pick, they need to keep Merriman if his knee completely recovers. Elite pass rushers are hard to find, so why would you let the best player on your defense walk?

Connie: Bill, I love this firey young man and admire his talent. Bill Parcells said we dont need a hollywood QB (which rivers is not) but no one said anything about a hollywood LB. who cares what he does off the field? has he been in trouble? are his off field ventures making him less of a sack threat on every play? no. if anything, him being all over marketing himself is bringing in publicity for SD. we all what what the Chargers D was without him, with him? playing in february is always a possibility!!