Bills release DE Merriman

(Orchard Park) The lights are officially out in Orchard Park on Monday, as the Bills announced the release of DE Shawne Merriman.

Merriman, who was claimed off of waivers by Buffalo during the 2010 season after being released by the Chargers, played in just five games for the Bills over the past two seasons, recording one sack in that time.

The former NFL sack leader and All-Pro was placed on Injured Reserve in October of 2011, a disappointing return on the Bills decision to give him a two year deal.

That contract was a bit inexplicable at the time, and it looks even worse now, considering that Buffalo will be giving Merriman about $3 million this season alone.

Merriman, who was injured in his very first practice with Buffalo, had been dealing with Achilles issues for some time. He had surgery this offseason to repair a frayed tendon, but clearly it didn't give him enough juice back in the leg to make him effective.

The Bills had the pass-rushing specialist working with the second team for most of the offseason, but he was bumped to mostly third-team duties during Buffalo's recent preseason game against the Vikings.

A lack of production for Merriman at a premium position (and relatively premium price) ultimately spelled doom for him with the Bills. It's possible that he could land with another team, but if he does, he'll need to prove that he can be healthy and it'll likely be on a one-year deal with the absolute minimum in guarantees.