According to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy, as of 1 p.m. Monday afternoon, there has been no deal made between the Bengals and former Buffalo Bill and Ohio State safety Dante Whitner.
Whitner finished the 2010 season with 140 tackles (96 solo), half a sack, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and one interception. In his five year career with the Bills, who drafted him with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2006 draft, Whitner has made 451 tackles, 1.5 sacks and intercepted five passes.
The Bengals have needed help at the safety position for a while now. Coming into the 2011 season, the team had only Chris Crocker and Reggie Nelson to play safety. They signed exclusive rights free agent Tom Nelson as well as re-signed Gibril Wilson, who played for the Bengals last year but was hurt in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve. The Bengals also signed Kent State safety Brian Lainhart, an unrestricted free agent.
Whitner could add some much needed talent and depth to a position that has been lacking over the last couple seasons. Even though the Bengals signed Nate Clements to replace Johnathan Joseph, the secondary will be somewhat weaker now that Joseph is gone. Whitner could help the secondary rebound a little.
If Whitner signs today, he would not be able to practice until August 4, when free agents are allowed to join the team practices.
We'll keep you updated on any news of Whitner signing with the Bengals.