SANTA CLARA -- On a day the 49ers filled a roster opening at outside linebacker with the signing of journeyman Eric Bakhtiari, the club also visited with a former Pro Bowl pass-rusher.Linebacker Shawne Merriman visited the 49ers on Wednesday, Scout.com reported Thursday morning. The 49ers had an opening on their 53-man roster after the NFL suspended Clark Haggans for three games for a violation of the league's policy on substance abuse.The 49ers signed Bakhtiari, who was among the 49ers' final cuts before the start of the regular season. Bakhtiari, who practiced Wednesday, will serve as a backup to starting outside linebackers Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks, while also being a core special-teams player.
Merriman, 28, has recorded only five sacks in the past four injury-plagued seasons. He recorded 39.5 sacks in his first three NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers. After winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Merriman was suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances.He recorded one sack in five games last season for the Buffalo Bills, who released him in training camp. Merriman did not see any action on special teams for the Bills last season.
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