Ginn Leaning Toward Cleveland, But Carolina Has a Case

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A reunion with returner/receiver Ted Ginn is one of the more obvious potential moves the Carolina Panthers could make this offseason. He may instead opt for a homecoming.

A source close to Ginn confirmed what many have speculated since he was released by the Cardinals on Monday – the Panthers are interested and have contacted him. But the source also said that Ginn wants to land in his hometown of Cleveland, and the Browns’ interest is mutual.

The Ginns have been one of the first families of football in Cleveland for more than a decade. Ted Ginn, Sr. built Glenville High School into a powerhouse, coaching a handful of future Ohio State stars like his son, 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and this year’s national title-winning quarterback Cardale Jones.

Browns safety Donte Whitner, who played with Ginn at Glenville and then at Ohio State, is lobbying hard for his former teammate. Whitner did the same last offseason, but Ginn ultimately signed an offer in Arizona that paid him $3.25 million in 2014. The Panthers weren’t willing to pay that price to keep Ginn, and they’re unlikely to get in a bidding war for him now. But even if his heart is telling him to go home, Carolina can make a good case, even if its not willing to write a bigger check.

The Browns, who haven’t been to the playoffs since 2002, are one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL, and their starting quarterback situation is full of more questions than answers. The Panthers have gone to the postseason in consecutive years, and they have one of the few quarterbacks who’s trusted Ginn as a receiver. In his one season with Cam Newton, Ginn racked up his most receptions since 2009 and the second-most receiving yards of his career. He also scored five receiving touchdowns, one fewer than the combined total of his seven other seasons.

The Panthers would still need to add at least one other wideout if they land Ginn, but they’d be able to cross ‘returner’ off their list of needs. In order for that to happen, though, Carolina has some convincing to do.

john alton

The only team that has ever used him effectively as a WR/RET was the Panthers. I could see a reunion .
Panthers/Truth

Ginn is over the hill, just averaging 19.0 yards on kickoff returns last season. Forget the past, and move on, draft or sign a UDFA returner (West Virginia’s WR/returner Mario Alford is projected to go undrafted).
- Nick
  
  Agreed. The browns are looking at Alford as UDFA and Agholor in the 2nd.
- koda57
  
  Right, Ginn has speed but can’t use it. Jacoby Jones averaged over 30 yrds per kickoff return. Ginn averaged 10.7on punt returns but had like 14 receptions receiving last yr… He’s never gonna be a legit receiver.
  There’s a good chance we can find a WR, RB or DB that can return in the draft or even UDFA. Bringing Ted Ginn back would just be taking up a valuable roster spot for a punt returner. I hope Gman thinks this over real good.
Larry

Ginn is not the type of player Cleveland needs—Browns do not need to be a home a home for all ‘ almost retired ‘ ex-Buckeyes–picked up Whitner–maybe pick up Hawk—and on and on——have a lot of cap money to spend so get someone better than Ginn
Todd Limpert

Yea the Panthers are such a power house in the worst division in football. They where a half game better then Cleveland that tanked the last 5 games of the season. In the best division without a better then average QB like Cam! Give me a break Bill if Cleveland’s wants him he will be here.
- SonnySky
  
  Cleveland is not so hot either but its his home state and his dream so let him go.
- spa7
  
  And the browns are so great. Last playoff game…2002- wildcard loss to Steelers. The last time the Browns played for a championship…1965. A year before the NFL-AFL merger in 1966. None since. And since no one has mentioned it yet. Ginn is the one who fumbled his kickoff return that help us beat the Cardinals in our playoff game last year. A perfect fit for the Browns.
  - Todd Limpert
    
    I didn’t realize I hit a nerve I was merely trying to point out to your writer that thinks the Panthers are the second coming of the Seattle Seahawks that Ginn grew up in Cleveland helped OSU go to two National Tittle games that he would go home before he would go back to Carolina! believe me nobody knows better then I how dysfunctional Cleveland is however the Panthers are just as bad having to dump a top 10 defense and are still in cap hell. At least we have a chance of fixing are situation being way under the cap and having 10 picks in the draft. and yes its true we haven’t been in the playoffs since 02 but at least we have 8 World Championships while you all blew the only super bowl you where in. Ginn is at the end of his career but all’s where looking for is a punt and kick off returner he’s never been but a number 4 receiver.
    - Bill Voth
      
      Hi Todd, I grew up in Cleveland so I know of Ginn, his popularity there, and the history of the Browns very well. But thanks for reading!
- koda57
  
  I sure hope the Browns get him,, Panthers don’t need to make that mistake AGINN….
Jason Alston

I wouldn’t blame Ginn for wanting to return home. I think that’s where he’s headed. The sports atmosphere in Cleveland I think is headed for major change.
SonnySky

He will want to go to his home state–they always do. I guess he said it would be a dream come true.
Pee Dee

This all comes back to licking our wounds from last year’s forced WR exodus – probably wouldn’t be having this discussion if we got value for the scant cash that was saved and the personnel that brought in.
Diehard

I would be shocked to see him beck here. He really never fit in our locker room. I would rather see a late round rookie with potential than a guy we know can’t catch or hold on to the ball very well.