NFL Free Agency 2014: Potential Targets For The Denver Broncos
By Andrew Dill
Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Donte Whitner, SS, San Francisco 49ers
Donte Whitner would be the more reasonable choice at the safety position financially for the Denver Broncos. Whitner has been durable in the past two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers as he didn’t miss a start. He has been the rock in their secondary, collecting 63 tackles last season including 15 pass deflections and 2 interceptions.
Whitner has been selected to two Pro-Bowls (2012-2013) and could provide leadership on the Denver defense, making sure players are getting lined up in the correct spots and helping out free-safety Rahim Moore. According to CSN Bay Area, the 49ers are not expected to use their franchise tag this offseason; which would cost them about $8-million to tag Whitner according to Rotoworld.
Mike Adams who filled in for Rahim Moore last season is one of the 18 players on the Broncos roster who are potential free-agents. Denver isn’t likely to re-sign the veteran safety Adams which will make them put emphasis on signing/drafting one. Duke Ihenacho who started at the strong-safety position was a key player in stopping the run but struggled defending the pass. Adding Whitner in the secondary could prove to be a big boost in stopping the pass moving forward for the Broncos.