Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman has signed a two-year contract extension, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.

According to Mortensen, Merriman's deal includes $2.5 million in guarantees for the 2011 season, with the deal averaging $5.25 million. With incentives, Merriman could earn up to $9.25 million annually.

Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Chargers in November, Merriman's tenure with the Bills has been limited to ten minutes of practice time, during which Merriman injured his calf.

The Bills placed Merriman on injured reserve on November 27, but the 6-4, 272-pound outside linebacker hinted at "exciting news" on Friday.

A first-round pick out of Maryland in 2005, Merriman has 231 tackles and 43.5 quarterback sacks during his career, which has included three trips to the Pro Bowl (2005-07), as well an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in '05. A knee injury limited Merriman to 15 games and 4 quarterback sacks during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Merriman had six tackles in three games this season before injuring his calf in a Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.