ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Unhappy with the Buffalo Bills' latest contract offer, safety Donte Whitner is eyeing the distinct possibility of becoming a free agent.
Calling himself both surprised and hurt Thursday, Whitner said he and the Bills are far apart in negotiations after the two sides held talks this week. Though Whitner said the Bills were scheduled to contact his agent, Tom Condon, later in the day, the safety didn't sound optimistic of a deal being done.
"It's not looking good right now," Whitner said at his locker before practice as the Bills (3-10) prepared for Sunday's meeting with the Miami Dolphins (7-6). "There was supposed to be another conversation today, but if things continue the way that they're going, obviously I'm going to have to hit the free-agent market and see my true value."
Whitner's comments are a marked turnaround one week after he expressed optimism that a deal could be done after talks opened last month.
A starter since the Bills selected him out of Ohio State with the eighth overall draft pick in 2006, Whitner is completing the final of a five-year contract. Whitner initially signed a six-year contract, but the final year was voided once he met certain playing-time goals as a rookie.
Bills general manager Buddy Nix declined comment, citing the team's policy to not discuss contract talks.
Whitner has the potential of becoming a free agent after this season, though his status depends on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement, which has yet to be negotiated.
Whitner would prefer to remain in Buffalo. He added that he hasn't set a deadline for talks, but he would prefer to have a deal completed by the end of the season, which the Bills close after playing the New York Jets on Jan. 2.
A hard-hitting tackler, though undersized for his position at 5-foot-10, Whitner is second on the team this season with 116 tackles -- the second time he has posted at least 100.
Though a regular contributor, Whitner hasn't had the impact the Bills envisioned when they drafted him to be the quarterback of their defensive backfield.
Whitner has blamed his inconsistencies on spending his first four seasons playing in a 4-3 defense, which he said didn't suit his strengths. Though he has been involved in more plays this season as the Bills switched to a 3-4 scheme, Whitner has struggled at times.
Whitner only has one interception -- five for his career -- and no sacks this season. He also has been part of a defense that has had difficulty stopping the run. Buffalo has allowed 200 rushing yards six times and ranks last in the NFL in allowing 166 yards per game.
"I do think there's a lot of promise around here, and we are moving in the right direction," Whitner said. "I want to be here. Let's see if Buffalo wants me to stay here."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
