Patriots' Moves Have Shawne Merriman's Name Swirling in Rumor Mill

by Michael Hurley on Oct 20, 2009 12:28:26 PM

The Patriots have cut Joey Galloway, Tully Banta-Cain, Eric Alexander and Michael Matthews, opening up a number of rumors that the team is working a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline.

The most interesting one involves linebacker Shawne Merriman, who's had his struggles in San Diego this season.

The linebacker is a free agent after this season and has a manageable $2.72 million salary for 2009.

ProFootballTalk.com reports that in releasing the four players, the Patriots cleared $2.87 million in cap space. Given that circumstance, acquiring Merriman seems more likely than running back Steven Jackson from St. Louis, due to Jackson's $5.5 million contract.

About the Author

Michael Hurley is a native of the Boston area and has spent much of his life following and covering sports throughout New England. A graduate of Roger Williams University, he joined NESN in February of 2009. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/nesnmhurley.