San Diego Chargers restricted free agent linebacker Shawne Merriman has signed an injury protection waiver, and will participate in the team's off-season workout program, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

"I see no point in not working out with the team," Merriman said. "I wanted to do this. I’m a big-picture guy...I’m going to be me."

By signing the waiver, Merriman and the Chargers are agreeing that should the three-time Pro Bowler be injured during the off-season workouts, he'll still receive the $3.269 million dollars that his one-year restricted free agent tender would pay him in 2010.

The Chargers tendered Merriman at the maximum, "First- and Third-Round" compensation level, one of five Chargers restricted free agents to be tendered at that level. Running back Darren Sproles has signed his tender, which will pay him $7.283 million dollars in 2010, as he played the 2009 season under the franchise tag. Wide receivers Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson, and left tackle Marcus McNeil, were also tendered at the max. level, but have not signed their tender or an injury waiver.

Former Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst did sign his tender, and was subsequently traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Other unsigned Chargers restricted free agents are offensive tackle Jeromey Clary (2nd round tender, $1.684M), linebacker Tim Dobbins (Original round, $1.176M), and defensive tackle Travis Johnson (Original round, $1.226M).