Michael Lombardi of the NFL Network said on Monday’s edition of “Total Access” that the Chargers may be interested in dealing linebacker Shawne Merriman.

“Do the Chargers want to extend his contract? If that answer is ‘no,’ which I here (is the case), then the best thing they can do is trade him, ala Brandon Marshall,” Lombardi said. “When you don’t want to sign a player to an extension, maybe it’s the best thing to do to trade him now. The problem here — he didn’t sign his tender so he cannot be traded because he certainly doesn’t have a contract.”

Merriman wants a long-term deal and he wants to remain in San Diego. But it appears as if he might have to play out this last year and then seek other options after the season.