It is appearing increasingly unlikely that the Chargers will trade linebacker Shawne Merriman, writes Len Pasquarelli on ESPN.com. "Probably, in part, because of knee problems that plagued Merriman the past two seasons, the Chargers received virtually no substantive proposals when they offered him around the league at draft time," Pasquarelli points out. "Merriman is a rush outside 'backer, a defender who essentially lines up at end on third down, is most effective when moving forward in a 3-4 front and is probably a liability in pass coverage. The Falcons play a classic 4-3, rarely mix in the three-man front and aren't about to change that philosophy."