Dustin Fox of the Browns Radio Network reports free agent SS Donte Whitner is "likely headed" to Cleveland "when the signing period begins." The signing period begins Tuesday at 4PM ET. The Cleveland Plain Dealer previously reported the Browns were "very serious" about signing Whitner, who played his college ball in Columbus, Ohio and would replace free agent T.J. Ward.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports the Browns are "very serious" about signing free agent Donte Whitner. A Cleveland native, Whitner would be replacing fellow free agent T.J. Ward. The Browns' interest in Whitner could be a sign they won't be serious suitors for Jairus Byrd. Whitner would be cheaper than either Ward or Byrd.

The New York Daily News reports the Jets have interest in free agent SS Donte Whitner and RB Maurice Jones-Drew. This is the first whisper of any team having interest in Jones-Drew -- and the same goes for Whitner -- since the negotiating window opened Saturday at noon. Whitner would be a tough fit in New York because he's a box safety similar to current Jets SS Dawan Landry. Jones-Drew would upgrade on Bilal Powell as a third-down back, and likely form a backfield timeshare with Chris Ivory.

CSN Bay Area reports the 49ers are not expected to use the franchise tag this offseason. SS Donte Whitner, CB Tarell Brown, and WR Anquan Boldin would appear to be the most likely candidates for the tag. The 49ers would like to re-sign all three, but the tenders at each position are awfully high. It would cost the 49ers about $8 million to tag Whitner, $11.5 million to tag Boldin, and $11.2 million to slap it on Brown. Whitner is just 28 and is our No. 3 free-agent safety.

CSN Bay Area expects impending 49ers free agents SS Donte Whitner and CB Tarell Brown to reach the open market.

49ers SS Donte Whitner has filed official paperwork to change his last name to "Hitner." "That's what I do. It's my last name and removing a letter makes it pretty cool," he said. One of the league's poster boys for illegal hits on defenseless receivers, Whitner was most recently fined $21,000 for his shot on Chris Givens last Thursday night. He's hoping to get the change implemented on his jersey by this Sunday. Once it happens, Whitner will reportedly have to purchase all the remaining inventory of merchandise with his old name on it.

Donte Whitner (hip) will play in Week 4 against the Eagles. He was limited all week in practice, but the 49ers will need everything he has to stop LeSean McCoy today. Whitner was called "highly questionable" heading into today's game, so there's a good chance he's at less than 100 percent.

49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said SS Donte Whitner (hip) is "highly questionable" for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Whitner has 11 tackles and one interception through three games. LeSean McCoy and the Eagles' running game gets a boost if the thumper can't go.

The 49ers will use use Donte Whitner as a "true" strong safety, allowing him to "morph into a linebacker" in nickel packages. We initially guessed third safety Reggie Smith might replace Whitner on passing downs, but the $12 million man is going to be a three-down player. The Niners' front seven became more leaky this offseason, losing NT Aubrayo Franklin and ILB Takeo Spikes. Whitner will be the main beneficiary in IDP leagues.

49ers signed SS Donte Whitner to a three-year, $11.75 million contract, including $4 million guaranteed. Whitner personally text messaged media members that he was signing with Cincinnati, wrote it on his Twitter page, and the Bengals even posted the deal on their website. He changed his mind at the last minute and is going to be a Niner. Whitner will be the strong safety to Reggie Smith's free, and likely an immediate starter in IDP leagues. A true "in the box," run-support safety, the 49ers should be careful to not leave Whitner in coverage too much.