We know (thank you, Twitter) that Shawne Merriman is healthy and getting ready for the 2010 season, even if he hasn’t signed his restricted free-agent tender with the Chargers.

Merriman, who changed agents this offseason, also continues to be the subject of trade rumors. NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi brought up not too long ago that he heard the Chargers aren’t interested in a long-term contract, leading him to believe a trade might be the best option. But until Merriman signs his tender and has an official contract, no trade can be completed.

Merriman told XX Sports Radio in San Diego recently he hasn’t decided when he’ll show up to training camp (only that he’ll be ready “when the time comes”),  but also didn’t hide the fact he expects to be a part of the team, saying he’s a Charger until he’s told otherwise.

“I am more excited about what is about to happen this season and I know that we had a lot of key departures in L.T., [Antonio] Cromartie and Jamaal Williams and [Kassim] Osgood. We had some key guys leave, but I still think that we have got a good group of core guys that can get it done because, like I said, you don’t always need to have the biggest names in the world, but you have to go win championships,” Merriman said, per sportsradiointerviews.com.

“You can’t replace those type of guys in the locker room.” Merriman said. “You can only hope to get people there that is going to take care of business and that is what we are trying to do this year.”

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