Around the League

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Donte Whitner, Cleveland Browns agree to contract

Published: Mar 11, 2014 at 05:50 AM

Marc Sessler

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

Cleveland finished ninth in the league against the pass last season, but that isn't stopping the Browns from re-imagining their frisky secondary.

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Follow all the developments on the NFL's open market with our up-to-the-minute tracking of 2014's free agents. **More ...**

Amid whispers that Cleveland has "significant interest" in making a move for Darrelle Revis, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported Tuesday that a contract is expected between the Browns and free-agent safety Donte Whitner.

NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Tuesday afternoon that Whitner agreed to a four-year deal worth $28 million.

It's a crystal clear indication that Browns safety T.J. Ward won't be back with the team, especially with cornerback Joe Haden in line for a lucrative new deal.

Whitner, the No. 47 player on our top 101 free agent list, is a bone-crushing backstop who grew up in Cleveland and played his college ball at Ohio State. He's started all but one regular-season game for the San Francisco 49ers over the past four seasons and would give the Browns the sixth-best safety in the NFL from last season, per Pro Football Focus. He turn 29 in July, meaning age is a concern.

Kinkhabwala also reported that the Browns are closing in on a pact with free-agent linebacker Arthur Moats, who played under coach Mike Pettine and Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil during their year together with the Buffalo Bills.

Whitner alerted his homestate of the pending deal Tuesday, tweeting:

O-H-.......
— DonteHitner31 (@DonteWhitner) March 11, 2014

In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys study the free agency picture with the help of NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.

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