I was reading an article on Yahoo about some questions going into the preseason (Link's here) when I noticed something I had overlooked before.  It is Merriman's contract year and San Diego just drafted Larry English in this year's draft.  This  probably means that Merriman is not going to be with the Chargers long term.

Now, how does this pertain to the Redskins?  Well, we all know that the main reason why our D was not in the top 3 last year was because of a terrible pass rush.  That was addressed in the offseason with the signing of Al and drafting Orakpo.  But, Al was never distiguished as a sack master and Orakpo can only get so many sacks.  Carter is still a great DE but he is getting closer and closer to the point of a major fall off.  Not to mention, Fletcher does not have a fountain of youth to survive on (although I wish he did).

That being said, Merriman would be a great investment for the skins.  Having Carter, Haynesworth, Orkapo and Merriman all being leathal pass rushing options.  Orapko and Merriman can switch out and SLB and there is even the option of running some 3-4 D as well with Haynesworth having some experience at the DE spot.  And after all that, Merriman is a local, so he should love to be able to play so close to home.  This would make the defense the strongest in the NFC East and possible the best defense in the league.  And it will help us see what we want the most, a Super Bowl win....and Tony Romo eating dirt 2 games a year.

Obviously there are some problems with this. The Chargers might decide to franchise Merriman which would require the redskins to give up at least a first round pick, although the Chargers let Brees walk, they might do the same with Merriman.  Personally, I would give up a 1st round pick for Merriman, but what would you do?