They are, though. According to ESPN, they're still looking for a very good deal for him.-- a similar deal they were before this past offseason.
Actually, after doing some serious research, the Chargers seem willing to part ways with Merriman for a reasonable price. Two teams seriously inquired about him during the draft and the Chargers were not against making the deal. The trouble was with the extension. Both teams felt Merriman's representatives were asking too much.
Not saying for sure, but it would not surprise me if one of the teams that inquired was in fact Green Bay. Sounds very much like TT. He wouldn't overpay.
That all being said, I think I would like to have him on the team. I've followed him on Twitter for a while and he seems to be friends with Matthews, Grant, and Barnett (maybe more? not sure). So I think the chemistry would be good. Also, it would solidify a position. I really like Brad Jones. I was not one of those guys saying OLB was our big need. I thought there were some good OLB's out there this year. It would have been nice if one had fallen into our laps. But mostly to get another guy at the position. I like Chillar too. But this is football. You need to have depth. I think we're all comfortable enough with Matthews and Jones as starters. But whats after them? Chillar? Sure. But I like him for what he is: a specialty guy. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable with him being an every down guy (not to say he couldn't be). And what if we suffer two injuries? To that extent, I think grabbing Merriman would be great. We'd have three guys I'd feel comfortable starting. You can never have too many good football players. Especially good LB's in a 3-4.
If I was TT, I'd be driving home the recent production and injury issues with his people. What if he has another crappy year or gets hurt again? Then what's he going to get paid in FA? They'd probably counter with the fact that someone will pay for him (ala Kampman even though Aaron was more productive and probably worth it). Then, I would say yeah that's probably true. Some desperate, losing team will probably throw money at him, but he'll never see the playoffs again. He's got a chance to come in to a young, playoff team, poised to make multiple runs at SB titles. He's got good friends on that team. On that team, he has the chance to come in and contribute from day one and possibly even add some leadership. Then, offer him a reasonable contract and line it with some incentives. If it were me, going to play with some friends, on a young, winning team for some good money would definitely win me over.
I think at the end of the day, Merriman is a gamble worth taking. It's likely he would benefit on and off the field from moving to Green Bay. He's got a great upside. It'd be beneficial for us depth-wise. If we could work out the contract, it seems like the Chargers won't be asking for a king's ransom (also, barring anything serious, most of our 2011 picks will probably be late in the rounds anyway so essentially, our 2nd is almost a 3rd and our 3rd almost a 4th). He would benefit by getting to play on a high quality, young team where he would have a good shot at winning a SB(making him more valuable in the future. He's 25 now. 3-4 year extension would line him up for a nice payday). If he comes back well and is productive, he still makes some good money. If you could get him to a reasonable contract, I'd make the deal. Too much upside to pass on.