The Cincinnati Bengals are talking with safety Donte Whitner, according to The Enquirer's Joe Reedy.

The former Buckeye, a first-round pick in 2006, has spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, where he's amassed 451 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5 picks and 3 forced fumbles. Last week, the Buffalo News said that the Bills weren't expected to bring him back.

The Bengals have been needy at safety for a while. Former Cowboy Roy Williams, who arrived in 2009, appeared in just 16 games in two seasons due to injury and is currently a free agent. Nine-year veteran Chris Crocker has been a hard-hitter on the field, but has also struggled with injuries, missing 18 games over the last three seasons. Five-year veteran Chinedum Ndukwe is also a free agent, and so far the Bengals have not shown any inclination they want him back, either. The team did re-sign Gibril Wilson yesterday, but he's coming off an ACL injury.

UPDATE: Fresh tweet from the Cryptkeeper:

There is a good chance safety Donte Whitner gets a deal done with the Bengals. It would be a nice fit.

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