While Whitner would be a nice addition to the secondary it seems unlikely the Panthers would pay starter money to a back-up player. Sure he could start if called upon but the starters are set and healthy at the moment.
What to Make of the Panthers' Interest in Safety Donte Whitner
Coleman and Boston are locked in as starters. Sure, Whitner went to three straight Pro Bowls starting in 2012, but his visit is all about depth. Whitner would add another veteran voice to a secondary that doesn't have many of those past Coleman. Whitner's primarily played strong safety, but he's versatile enough to help shore up a hold that needs a plug.
The money always has to be right for Panthers GM Dave Gettleman to sign a veteran. I'm thinking if the price was too high for the Rams then I doubt G-man will bite either.
Donte Whitner's name is bigger than his game these days. Before turning 31 last month, the 10-year veteran strongly hinted in May that he was signing with the Rams. But that fell apart...
Some have asked about Rams and S Donte Whitner. Team is hoping for deal but nothing done yet. Team not yet comfortable with price tag.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) April 28, 2016
Whitner has a lot of egg on his face after hinting on Twitter he was about to sign with the Rams back in May only to not get a deal done. Now that three months have passed maybe he's dropped his price? Maybe he's enticed by the thought of playing for the Panthers?
So more important is whether Whitner has anything left in the tank. He's only 31 and assuming he's still in shape the issue shouldn't be physical, it's mental I believe. There are plenty of highlight films of him but there are also some not so flattering.
Now the not so good. Actually I'm being kind. Whitner gets totally stoned by a QB! I'm not talking about a big QB like Cam Newton or Big Ben, it was the ancient Peyton Manning.
I mean how could getting pancaked by an old QB not shake your confidence at least a little, right? So while the Panthers have done a nice job of resurrecting veteran careers in the past I'm not sure Whitner will get a chance to do the same in Carolina.