Adam Schefter ✔ @AdamSchefter Follow Former 49ers S Donte Whitner reached agreement on a four-year, $28 million deal with the Browns, per sources.
This is a good signing. I was surprised to see that he is only 28. He's a hard hitter and better in pass coverage than Ward though Ward is better against the run. As an added bonus, he seems excited to be back playing in his hometown. Great first two moves by the front office so far.
Regardless what I think about the trade off of Ward vs Whitner, it's ALWAYS great to see a Cleveland native wanting to come home to play for his hometown team.
I think it was Django that was concerned with this being his last big contract, now what will he play for/motivate him (which I understand)....However, I think this is a good reason.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
Quote: I am a little sad as this most likely means Ward is gone and I believe Whitner is a bit of a downgrade.
But, if we are going to lose Ward, then we are still getting an above average SS back. That is a good thing.
Whitner is better in coverage, Ward is better in the run game, and both hit like trucks. I think it about evens out with less money being spent on the position. I see that as a win.
7mil is at the higher end of what I expected for Whitner, but as I said, it's gonna be close to Ward and it was. Sad to see Ward go.
Compared to the Bethea-49ers deal we got the better deal. Younger, better player for only 500k/year more. Looks like the 9ers panicked when they lost Whitner...
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
last i heard they were will trying to sign ward too. That would be a pair of bone crushing safeties. Not ready to give up on ward just yet even if it is likely that he is gone.
You can't fix stupid but you can destroy ignorance. When you destroy ignorance you remove the justifications for evil. If you want to destroy evil then educate our people. Hate is a tool of the stupid to deal with what they can't understand.
Quote: last i heard they were will trying to sign ward too. That would be a pair of bone crushing safeties. Not ready to give up on ward just yet even if it is likely that he is gone.
Two SS in the backfield? Really?
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
Too bad we didn't sign him 2 years ago. I remember folks on the official board knocking Whitner and praising the H&H plan to leave $20 million on the sidelines.
We are letting Ward go, so like Dansby it probably won't be much of an upgrade/downgrade. Hopefully a better scheme fit. It beats losing pieces to conduct tryouts during the regular season...Eric Hagg
Quote: I like it, another good signing on top of Karlos Dansby. Things are looking up.
I like it as well. TJ might be a better player against the run, and Whitner is a better player in the passing game.
Add in the addition of Dansby and we have really improved. In the end, I would rather the safety have pass ball skills over being a mini linebacker. Linebackers are the one who are supposed to stuff the run just past the LOS....not the safety.
We just improved our defense big time.
If you play fantasy football, the Browns D/ST might be a strong play for the next few years.
Last edited by Ballpeen; 03/11/1406:08 PM.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
I will say this: our short and mid zone coverage has been upgraded significantly. Dansby is elite in coverage. We've gone from worst to first in that regard...like DQ, he's a solid ILB vs the run, but a MUCH better blitzer on top of that. We probably lost a little in run stopping, but it should still be good enough to get the job done...
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
Always liked lifetime Browns fans coming home to share that love on the Browns and lead our youngsters! Probably why I like Hoyer so much...he deserves to bring us out of the swampland!
Welcome Whitner...this is a team of destiny bring it along to fruition!
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
Probably less than what Ward will get with Denver but whitner is just entering his prime years and has better cover skills. If we can add a Revis and draft a Ha Ha then hmm lol
Quote: Probably less than what Ward will get with Denver but whitner is just entering his prime years and has better cover skills. If we can add a Revis and draft a Ha Ha then hmm lol
from what I understand... Ward got paid a lot less
Ward will sign a four-year contract for $23 million — with $14 million
Donte Whitner to a four-year, $28 million contract.
Quote: Probably less than what Ward will get with Denver but whitner is just entering his prime years and has better cover skills. If we can add a Revis and draft a Ha Ha then hmm lol
With the S class as horrid as it is I'm hopeful that if we are to go into the season without addressing a starter that it's Gipson starting, not Robertson, McFadden, Little, Pinkston, Oby or Baker. I hope we don't use a 1st on a S when we need these guys as reserves not starters(not that Gipsons any better just the possible replacements that much weaker).