BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Rookie safety Donte Whitner signed a five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, joining the team after the No. 8 draft pick missed the first eight days of training camp.
The former Ohio State star had been the top drafted player still unsigned and only one of three first-round selections not under contract.
Without disclosing financial terms, Whitner said the two sides met in the middle in guaranteed money after the player was seeking $14 million, while the Bills had offered $12.9 million as of Wednesday.
Whitner wanted to be paid closer to the $15 million guaranteed as part of a five-year deal safety Michael Huff -- the No. 7 pick -- signed with Oakland last month because the two play the same position. The No. 9 pick, linebacker Ernie Sims, received $12.1 guaranteed as part of a five-year contract with Detroit.
"That's over with, full speed ahead," general manager Marv Levy said following practice. "Is he behind? Yes, he's got a lot of catching up to do."
Whitner arrived at the Bills' training camp site in suburban Rochester, but not in time to practice. He is expected to be on the field Monday -- the Bills have Sunday off. Whitner did take part in an individual workout following practice.
"I'm just happy to be here," said Whitner. "I feel like I'm a quick learner. ... I'm just waiting for Monday to come.
Levy, who on Friday had referred to the two sides as being at "a stalemate," said the deal was agreed to later that evening.
"In terms of relief, you're never relieved ... but it's a good step," Levy said.
The Bills had projected Whitner as their opening-day starter. He now has plenty of catching up to do after missing 14 practices. The Bills have expressed concerns that Whitner has missed valuable time learning the defense and bonding with teammates.
His development already has been delayed because he missed all but two of Buffalo's spring minicamps because of Ohio State's relatively late exam schedule. Whitner spent last week working out at Ohio State and noted he was studying the Bills' playbook.
He said he also kept in touch with several teammates, including veteran safety Troy Vincent, last week.
"I'm a little behind, but once I get my meeting with coach, I think I'll be caught back up with the rest of the guys," Whitner said.
Coach #### Jauron said Whitner will begin competing for the starting job, but offered no guarantees. Jauron added he and his staff will evaluate Whitner's progress next week before determining whether he'll play in Buffalo's preseason opener at Carolina on Aug. 12.
Believing a deal was close, Whitner had traveled to the Rochester area before the start of camp July 26. But he returned to Ohio a day later after negotiations stalled.
He is a hard hitter who finished third among the Buckeyes with 73 tackles, adding four sacks and two interceptions as a junior last season. He helped Ohio State rank fifth in the nation in defense, allowing 281 yards a game and 15 points last season.
To make room for Whitner on their roster, the Bills released reserve punter Joshua Brazen.
