A free agent linebacker with more than 150 regular season starts has reportedly been in touch with a pair of NFC clubs.
Will Witherspoon, who played 16 games for St. Louis a season ago, has had contact with the Rams and Falcons, according to NBC affiliate WJHG-TV in Panama City, Florida. According to a story posted on the station’s website Wednesday, Witherspoon has discussed a deal with both teams, he indicated last week.
The 33-year-old Witherspoon was primarily a reserve for St. Louis last season, recording 12 tackles. Witherspoon, who played high school football in Panama City, told WJHG-TV he wants to play in 2014.
The 6-foot-1, 242-pound Witherspoon would likely again play outside linebacker in St. Louis, which employs a 4-3 scheme. In Atlanta, Witherspoon could figure as an inside linebacker in the team’s base 3-4 defense.
The Falcons lost an expected starter at inside linebacker when Sean Weatherspoon suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in June. They later added ex-Texan Tim Dobbins to bolster their depth at the position.