Fooch's Note: The only reason I'm moving this to the front page is because Adam Schefter decided to speculate that the 49ers will place a claim on Shawne Merriman. Of course, Merriman also apparently wants to play for Baltimore, Miami, or Dallas (so much for wanting to play for a winner), and it's entirely possible he refuses to report to the 49ers. My problem with this kind of claim is that the only real role available to Merriman with the 49ers is situational pass rusher and Travis LaBoy occupies that role. Travis LaBoy is playing very well in the pass rush and I'd take him over Shawne Merriman at this point.
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With Adam Schefter reporting that the 49ers will likely put in a claim for Shawne Merriman, it brings a question. Can he contribute to the team and how?

He is an OLB, and wouldn't take over Manny Lawson's or Parys Haralson's starting jobs. But he would be a backup, possibly on passing situations. But that would mean less time for Travis LaBoy, who leads the team in sacks. And it would mean we would almost never see Ahmad Brooks. Or maybe this move would even give Lawson a wake up call and make him step it up.

But at the end of the day if he produces it's all worth it right? Well can he still bring something to this team? He has been bothered by injuries for a few years now, and hasn't produced since he was juiced up. We'll see how it turns out, or if we even put in a claim.

What do you guys think? Should we go get him, and do you think he can still produce? And how should we use him in games? And who would be released to make room for him?