The Los Angeles Rams and free agent safety Donte Whitner have reportedly agreed to a deal. Although it hasn’t been officially announced, Whitner himself has clarified that the signing will happen “soon” via Twitter.
If confirmed, the Rams add a veteran safety that will be asked to replace a the departed Rodney McLeod, who signed a massive contract with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. The move comes after the Rams didn’t select a safety in the 2016 NFL Draft, but both parties were in contact with each other before the draft. The financial details aren’t released yet, but contract longevity is one of the reasons Whitner hasn’t been signed yet.
Whitner was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills eighth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. The 30-year-old safety signed a 4-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2014, but he was cut earlier this year after a disappointing 2015 season. Whitner did earn three straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2012-2014. Also, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could potentially revive Whitner’s career. It worked for linebacker/safety hybrid Mark Barron.
Whitner has recorded a total of 618 tackles, 58 pass deflections, 11 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles in his 10-year career.
Source: Pro-football-reference.com, Twitter.com
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