Bills release Shawne Merriman

Once again, the lights have been turned out on Shawne Merriman. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports first reported Monday that the Bills have released the defensive end/linebacker, a move since confirmed by the team. “I want to say Thanks to the Organization, the Coaches, my teammates & the fans you guys have been great & I’ll be looking forward to the chapter,” Merriman wrote in a short statement. Merriman, who signed a two-year contract in 2011, was already given a $1 million roster bonus this year. Buffalo is obviously willing to eat the money to end an era that never really began. A three-time All-Pro and NFL Rookie of the Year in 2005, Merriman’s career started with a bang but plummeted quickly thereafter, in large part due to injuries. He’s played in only 23 games since 2008, and, despite several feel-good puff stories, never returned to prior form. Still only 28, Merriman has a chance to latch on with another team in a lesser role, likely as nothing more than a pass-rush ...