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Originally Posted by beer bacon
Chargers' No 1 guaranteed 5-year, $11.33 million
Merriman's holdout to end
By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
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Merriman agrees to deal with Chargers
SAN DIEGO - Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, the 12th pick in the NFL draft, agreed to a five-year deal with the San Diego Chargers on Monday after he missed the first week of training camp.
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Merriman caused a stir when he stayed away from all offseason workouts on the advice of his agent, Kevin Poston, because of concerns he'd get hurt before he got a contract.
While many observers expected protracted negotiations, both sides said talks went well.
"It was always professional, always cordial," Poston said. "We were able to get it done at Shawne's fair-market value."
In a statement, general manager A.J. Smith said the Chargers were "excited to get Shawne here and integrated into our defense as quickly as possible. "The negotiations with Kevin Poston were cordial, professional and it was pleasure doing business with him."
By missing offseason workouts, the Chargers felt Merriman, a former star at Maryland, would fall behind in learning the team's 3-4 defense.
Poston thinks Merriman will be OK.
"The first preseason game has not taken place. He'll be fine," Poston said. "All rookies have to catch up, even those who are in on time."
Merriman has been working out in Maryland.
Merriman's contract is potentially worth $15.73 million, of which $9 million is guaranteed. The deal was structured so he'll get an early roster bonus of $1,244,000 rather than a signing bonus. He'll get an option bonus of $6.35 million, payable over the second, third and fourth years of the deal.
With Merriman's deal done, the Chargers' only unsigned player is All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates, who is seeking a long-term deal averaging between $4 million and $5 million a year. As an exclusive-rights free agent, Gates was tendered a one-year contract for $380,000, but he has not signed that deal.