CLEVELAND, Ohio -- 49ers safety Donte Whitner expects to sign with his hometown Cleveland Browns shortly after 4 p.m. today, a source close to Whitner told cleveland.com.

If all goes as planned, Whitner will agree to a deal with the Browns right way, say farewell to the 49ers and their fans and head back home to Cleveland.

Whitner, 28, is expected to replace Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward, who figures to be lost in free agency. The 49ers were interested in re-signing their two-time Pro Bowler, but Whitner is set to come home instead.

The source said Whitner is excited to return to Cleveland and help turn his beloved city around. He starred at Glenville High under Ted Ginn Sr. and at Ohio State.

"This would be a chance for him to come back home and give back to the community,'' the source. "He feels it's his responsibility to make his hometown a better place.''

Whitner would also fill the leadership void left by D'Qwell Jackson. Heading into his ninth NFL season, he's an outspoken leader and role model for younger players.

Whitner was drafted No. 8 overall by the Bills in 2006, he was only 20 years old, the youngest player to be drafted at the time. He spent his first five seasons with the Bills and signed with the 49ers as a free agent in 2011, inking a three-year deal worth $11.75 million. Since then, he's been to three NFC Championship Games and the Super Bowl.

Whitner, who has contemplated changing his name to "Hitner,'' is known for his ferocious collisions. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl this season after finishing the year with 73 tackles, 12 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Whitner would pair with free safety Tashaun Gipson.

Meanwhile, the Lions are reportedly interested in Ward, and there are conflicting reports as to whether or not the Eagles have reached out to him. Ward engaged in several talks with the Browns but failed to reach an agreement.