Donte Whitner Says He May Become A Free Agent

[AwakenTheDemon]

Apparently, Whitner isn't happy with the offers Buffalo has been giving him in regards to a new contract. After saying he's "hurt" and "surprised" by Buffalo, he goes on to say it's not likely that the sides will come to an agreement on a new contract. So it seems there's a big possibility that he [i]may[/i] hit free agency this year.

Now, before people jump all over me for suggesting it, I think it's obvious how I've felt about the numerous topics that advocate picking up every player that's unhappy or hits free agency. I don't do it often, and certainly not without thinking it through.

However, with the tackling issues Landry has had (along with the rest of the team at times), many people are growing more and more unhappy with him. While I'm not exactly one of those people, I do appreciate Whitner for his tackling ability and physical nature.

I believe (although I could be wrong) Landry's contract is up after this year, so would anyone be in favor of potentially signing Whitner and letting go of Landry in the offseason? Whitner may be a bit shorter, but he's younger, extremely physical, and a sure tackler. In my opinion, it may a great idea to look into it. Of course, that's all depending upon what kind of money he'd be looking for, which I cannot comment on, because I haven't really followed his contract talks all that closely.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81cf3804/article/whitner-eyeing-free-agency-after-latest-offer-from-bills?module=HP_headlines"]Source: NFL.com[/url]

[JO_75]

You know, just like ATD I don't like these threads but this should get some consideration in the off-season. Whitner I'm sure also probably wants to win and go to a team that is a Super Bowl contender. You also have to factor in which teams need a SS. I wouldn't mind bringing in Whitner even if we kept Landry and had them battle it out for the starting spot... BUT I would say no because well the 2011 Draft is suppose to be a deep Safety class and I would rather keep Landry and draft a rookie SS who can take over for Landry in his second year. I'd rather continue getting younger and add a rookie SS to our defense.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Well, the way I see it is, Whitner's only 25, so he's plenty young. Plus, you have to take into account what other needs we may need to address through the draft (offensive linemen, defensive linemen, wide receiver and linebacker maybe). Depending on how Ozzie wants to approach each positions' needs and how much Whitner is looking for, he's a very solid looking pick. Sure, both Landry and Whitner are in their fifth year, Whitner is two years young though. Also, he could contribute [i]now[/i], as opposed to a safety we may draft.

[Ed_Reed20]

I'd be all for it!

Whitner hasn't been the playmaker the Bills expected when they drafted him 8th overall back in '06 but he's a solid player and one of the best in the league in terms of run support.

[JO_75]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1292535016' post='577548']
Well, the way I see it is, Whitner's only 25, so he's plenty young. Plus, you have to take into account what other needs we may need to address through the draft (offensive linemen, defensive linemen, wide receiver and linebacker maybe). Depending on how Ozzie wants to approach each positions' needs and how much Whitner is looking for, he's a very solid looking pick. Sure, both Landry and Whitner are in their fifth year, Whitner is two years young though. Also, he could contribute [i]now[/i], as opposed to a safety we may draft.
[/quote]

Oh ok, I didn't realize that he was only 25, I knew he had been in the league for like 5 years so I thought he was like 28-30 where he would be only be good or a couple years which was why I said it would be good to draft a safety to develop behind him. Since he is only 25, I say he would be a good patch for 3-4 years at the SS position. Also since this is only his 5th year, and if we have the same restrictions as last year(needing 6 years of service to be a FA) wouldn't that mean he is off limits unless Buffalo decides to not tender him and just let him go?

[AwakenTheDemon]

I honestly don't know how it's going to end between the two sides. Since I don't know who's all in their contract years over in Buffalo (although I think Posluszny and Kelsay are in the last year of their contracts), I'm not sure who they may be looking into tagging.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1292536809' post='577591']
I honestly don't know how it's going to end between the two sides. Since I don't know who's all in their contract years over in Buffalo (although I think Posluszny and Kelsay are in the last year of their contracts), I'm not sure who they may be looking into tagging.
[/quote]

According to [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?id=3691&sport=NFL"]Rotoworld[/url], Whitner's backup, George Wilson, is a better coverage safety and the Bills may be willing to part with Donte because of that.

[flynismo]

meh .... he's an upgrade over Landry, but read between the lines. He wants to get paid; probably more than he is worth. Spend that skrillah on the DL instead ... Application denied.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1292539951' post='577645']
meh .... he's an upgrade over Landry, but read between the lines. He wants to get paid; probably more than he is worth. [b]Spend that skrillah on the DL instead ...[/b] Application denied.
[/quote]

...or on Asomugha.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

Based on his financial demands, I'd be all for it. 25 was a lot younger than I thought he was as well. I would imagine that safety is probably a top priority somewhere along the line this offseason (ie. FA or draft) as I think one of the three of Landry, Zibby or Haruki will be let go.

[MKdave]

He's going to get ALOT of money in FA. He's just the type that teams overpay on. Big tackling safeties without a lot of ball skills. I don't think he's that much of an upgrade over a finished-product Zibby that we'll have in a year or two so I don't think forking over the dough for him makes sense.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1292540920' post='577665']
...or on Asomugha.
[/quote]

I would cry. Really, I think I would. (obviously, tears of joy)

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1292552312' post='577884']
I would cry. Really, I think I would. (obviously, tears of joy)
[/quote]

So would I. As an athlete and as a man, Asomugha is just a great individual. He'd fit right in with Foxworth.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1292552312' post='577884']
I would cry. Really, I think I would. (obviously, tears of joy)
[/quote]
You'd cry and Id poop my pants....obviously out of joy lol

[AsianRice]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1292552411' post='577886']
So would I. As an athlete and as a man, Asomugha is just a great individual. He'd fit right in with Foxworth.
[/quote]
The dude is very intelligent as a football player that I love about him.

[BloodRaven]

He's an average player who'll ask for a lot. So no.

Maybe the Bills are still hurting that they didnt take Ngata instead?

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1292557676' post='577980']
You'd cry and Id poop my pants....obviously out of joy lol
[/quote]


Asomugha brought in, Kindle getting healthy and drafting a beast Dlinemen, instantly back to elite defense.

About Whitner, as long as the money is right and Landry isn't resigned.

[Alexir]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1292560492' post='578027']
The dude is very intelligent as a football player that I love about him.
[/quote]

and he guest starred as a Cop on Friday Night Lights!

[flynismo]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1292557676' post='577980']Id poop my pants....obviously out of joy lol<br />[/quote]


Must be a Canadian thing haha

[FerrariFan87]

I'd pass considering the money he's probably looking for... besides, we have to re-sign Ngata to big money.

Aso would be a dream.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1292620817' post='578449']
Must be a Canadian thing haha
[/quote]

Thought you guys knew, we live in igloos with no toilets.