NFL Rumors: Donte Whitner Leaving Cleveland Browns For Los Angeles Rams

NFL rumors are swirling around Donte Whitner. The Cleveland Browns were heavily criticized by many in the National Football League because they delayed the release of the veteran safety. Many felt that he should have been allowed to leave much earlier, so that he could find a new team in free agency. Even though most teams with a need at his position have already filled them, Whitner is still generating interest. According to NFL, the Los Angeles Rams are interested in signing him to a contract.

At 30 years of age, Donte Whitner is still young enough to be able to contribute to an NFL team. The veteran has been to the Pro Bowl on three separate occasions. He still has some of those skills that got him to the game. In fact, there are still a lot of teams that Whitner can start for. The reason why the Cleveland Browns released him was because they were looking to save money and go with a youth movement under new head coach Hue Jackson.

Janoris Jenkins left the Los Angeles Rams to sign a massive contract with the New York Giants a couple of weeks ago. Management knows that they need to upgrade the defensive secondary if they plan on being able to compete in the NFC West next season. That is why the team was more than willing to meet with Donte Whitner.

If signed, Donte Whitner has a very good chance at earning a starting job at one of the safety positions. TJ McDonald started much of last season for the Los Angeles Rams, but he’s coming off of a foot injury, so there’s no way to know for sure what type of player he will be next season. Cody Davis will also be competing for a starting job. The Rams lost Rodney McLeod to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.

If signed, Donte Whitner will be joining Coty Sensabaugh as the free agent class for the Los Angeles Rams this year. He was previously with the Tennessee Titans. Sensabaugh is not nearly the same player as Janoris Jenkins, so Whitner is going to need to be sharp at the safety position so that he can help Sensabaugh out. That’s one of the advantages of having a veteran in the backfield.

Normally, Mark Barron would be competing for a starting job at the safety position, but the Los Angeles Rams are making a huge shift with the former Alabama Crimson Tide star. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams are going to utilize Barron in a hybrid position. He will be a combination of a safety and linebacker. Officially, he’ll be listed as a weak side linebacker, but he will be all over the place.

Signing with the Los Angeles Rams would bring Donte Whitner back to the NFC West. He played for the San Francisco 49ers for a couple of years. Teaming with Dashon Goldson, he was able to help lead the team to the NFC Championship game a couple of times. Interestingly enough, the Niners are a team in need of a veteran in the secondary. A reunion between Whitner and San Francisco has not been ruled out yet.

Donte Whitner isn’t quite the impact player that he used to be. However, the veteran can still help an NFL team out. His savvy is quite useful on the field, especially when there are younger teammates in need of a mentor. Whitner is still solid in pass coverage. He’s also a tremendous hitter, which helps to run defense. The Los Angeles Rams would be wise to add someone like him.