Source: Former Pro Bowl safety Donte Whitner is flying to Carolina tomorrow for a workout with the #Panthers. Could be a big-time addition
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2016
Donte Whitner's name is bigger than his game these days.
Before turning 31 last month, the 10-year veteran strongly hinted in May that he was signing with the Rams. But that fell apart, perhaps because:
Some have asked about Rams and S Donte Whitner. Team is hoping for deal but nothing done yet. Team not yet comfortable with price tag.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) April 28, 2016
Whitner is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro, and being released by the Browns, as he was in April, is never a good sign.
While Whitner doesn't have much tread left, kicking his tires makes sense when you consider the current state of Carolina's safeties. With just four guys (Kurt Coleman, Tre Boston, Colin Jones and Travell Dixon) practicing back there on Wednesday, receiver Miles Shuler took some snaps as a scout team safety.
That came on the heels of Saturday's preseason game in Nashville, when cornerback Daryl Worley came in for a couple plays during the fourth quarter after Marcus Ball went out with an injury. And that came after Trenton Robinson tore a pec muscle and while Dean Marlowe was back in Charlotte for a second straight game with a hamstring injury.
Coleman and Boston are locked in as starters. Sure, Whitner went to three straight Pro Bowls starting in 2012, but his visit is all about depth.
Whitner would add another veteran voice to a secondary that doesn't have many of those past Coleman. Whitner's primarily played strong safety, but he's versatile enough to help shore up a hold that needs a plug.