Whittle To Sign Elsewhere

The Vikings were expected to come to terms with offensive lineman Jason Whittle, but they lost out on the eight-year veteran.

In a surprise move, Minnesota Vikings unrestricted free agent offensive lineman Jason Whittle didn’t re-sign with the team as expected.

Scout.com has learned Whittle reached a contract agreement with the Buffalo Bills early Friday morning.

The versatile Whittle will provide solid veteran depth for Buffalo, which has very little experience behind their projected starters, and the Bills also released one-time starting right guard Chris Villarrial, who has struggled with injuries the past few seasons.

Whittle started two games at right guard for the Vikings in 2006, his only season with the team. He previously spent six seasons with the New York Giants and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Vikings’ offensive line seemed to be most effective when Whittle was at right guard and Mike Rosenthal was at right tackle, but the Vikings released Rosenthal Thursday and didn’t make an offer enticing enough for Whittle, who became an unrestricted free agent at 11 p.m. Central Thursday.

Over his eight-year career, Whittle has started 42 games and has the versatility to play guard or center.