Ted Ginn Jr. - Pro Football Rumors

Contract Details: Pettigrew, Ginn, Clemens

March 14th, 2014 at 11:04am CST by Luke Adams

Brandon Pettigrew agreed to a new four-year contract with the Lions today, and while $8MM of the $16MM total is guaranteed, $2.8MM of that amount, 2015’s base salary, is guaranteed for injury only, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today. Pelissero adds that the rest of the guarantee comes from a $4MM signing bonus and a $1.2MM base salary for 2014 (Twitter links). Here are several more details on recent deals:

The three-year contract Ted Ginn Jr. agreed to with the Cardinals includes a $2.25MM signing bonus and $1.5MM in annual incentives, says Pelissero (via Twitter). Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com breaks it down in chart form.
Kellen Clemens‘ two-year, $3MM pact with the Chargers includes a $645K signing bonus and a $250K roster bonus due on the third day of the 2015 league year, tweets Pelissero.
The Redskins‘ one-year, $2MM deal with Darryl Sharpton can be worth up to $2MM. It’s made up of an $820K signing bonus, a $730K non-guaranteed base salary, $200K in per-game roster bonuses, and $250K in playing-time incentives, according to Pelissero (via Twitter).

Ted Ginn, Cardinals Agree To Three-Year Deal

March 13th, 2014 at 9:34pm CST by Luke Adams

9:34pm: Ginn’s three year deal will be worth at least $9.75MM with a maximum of $14.25MM, and includes $5.2MM in guaranteed money, reports Kent Somers of AZ Central Sports (via Twitter).

6:20pm: Ginn was “surprised” that the Panthers didn’t try harder to retain the veteran receiver, reports Urban (via Twitter).

5:19pm: Ginn’s deal with the Cards is worth $9.75MM for three years, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

4:38pm: The Cardinals have agreed to terms with receiver and return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. on a three-year deal, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter).

Ginn, 28, was an all-purpose threat for the Panthers in his first and only year in Carolina, with 36 catches, 26 punt returns, 25 kickoff returns, and even four carries. He enjoyed the most success as a receiver, recording 556 receiving yards and five TDs while catching balls from Cam Newton.

Prior to agreeing to sign with the Cards, Ginn drew plenty of interest from other suitors. The Giants were reportedly eyeing him and the Bucs had him in for a visit, while newly-signed Brown Donte Whitner urged Cleveland management to consider signing him.

FA Rumors: Melton, Walker, Cromartie

March 13th, 2014 at 2:34pm CST by Zachary Links

Unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Henry Melton, who is visiting with the Vikings on Thursday, is the center of a lawsuit from a bar altercation where he is alleged to have bitten the restaurant owner, writes Master Tesfatsion of the Star-Tribune. That could be a sticking point for the Vikings, who dealt with four player arrests in 2013. The latest free agent rumors from around the NFL…

Vance Walker is visiting with the Chiefs today, tweets Josina Anderson of ESPN. The defensive tackle also has a visit lined up with the Packers, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
Former Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie is visiting with the Cardinals today, a source tells Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (on Twitter).
Quarterback Shaun Hill could still return to the Lions, a source tells Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. The Buccaneers seemed like a real option for Hill until they inked Josh McCown this week.
Akeem Jordan‘s visit with the Titans has been moved up from Monday to Friday, says Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, adding that the Redskins would like to bring in the linebacker for a visit if he doesn’t sign with Tennessee (Twitter links).
Tight end Owen Daniels is set to visit with the Redskins, a source tells ESPN’s Adam Caplan (on Twitter).
Return specialist Ted Ginn is visiting the Cardinals, tweets P. Schrager of FOXSports.com.

FA Rumors: DRC, Ginn, Whitehurst, Burleson

March 13th, 2014 at 11:21am CST by Luke Adams

As one of the few notable cornerbacks remaining on the market, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is still searching for a deal. According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter), the Jets are one team that has been in touch with DRC’s camp about the free agent, as New York remains in the market for cornerback help. Here are a few more Thursday free agent updates:

After missing out on receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones, the Giants are eyeing Ted Ginn Jr., a player capable of filling a similar role, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.
Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean thinks there’s a reasonable chance the Titans and quarterback Charlie Whitehurst will work something out (Twitter link). Wyatt reported earlier today that Whitehurst was visiting with the club.
The Titans are also exhibiting interest in wide receiver Nate Burleson, who was released by the Lions before the start of the free agent period, tweets Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com.
The Steelers are “really interested” in defensive end Alex Carrington, and will host him for a visit tonight, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Pittsburgh has already lost Ziggy Hood in free agency and may part ways with Brett Keisel as well.
Linebacker Darryl Tapp is among the players visiting the Lions today, reports Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter).
Free agent center Phil Costa is visiting the Colts today and Bengals tomorrow, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

AFC Rumors: Chiefs, Jordan, Raiders

March 12th, 2014 at 5:04pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chiefs aren’t one of the four teams that have reached out to free agent center Alex Mack, but teams are getting creative with their proposals to the Browns free agent, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Here’s a look at the latest out of the AFC..

Donte Whitner told reporters today, including Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link), that he has encouraged the Browns to look into signing Ted Ginn Jr., who would like to come to Cleveland. The Bucs are hosting the speedy return man today.
The Patriots and Vince Wilfork have discussed an extension this offseason, but an agreement isn’t close, tweets Albert Breer of NFL Network. Talks aren’t active at the moment, but could pick up again as the Pats need additional room (link). Adrian Wilson could also potentially be cut for cap savings.
Linebacker Dekoda Watson says he had interest from nine-ten other teams before he signed with the Jaguars, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com. The Bills, Patriots, 49ers, and Browns were among the interested clubs.
Chiefs free agent linebacker Akeem Jordan is scheduled to visit the Titans on Monday, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). We heard earlier this week that Jordan has interest from half a dozen teams.
The Falcons and Raiders had interest in Linval Joseph before he signed with the Vikings, tweets Ben Goessling of ESPN. Ultimately, neither club came close to Minnesota’s offer.
Chris Clemons‘ first visit will be to the Jaguars, tweets Terry Blount of ESPN. The Seahawks recently released the veteran defensive end.

Bucs Rumors: Tillman, Ginn, Joseph

March 12th, 2014 at 1:52pm CST by Zachary Links

The Buccaneers aren’t done yet. Even after signing Alterraun Verner yesterday to a four-year, $26.5MM pact and landing quarterback Josh McCown, Tampa Bay is still in on free agent cornerback Charles Tillman, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Tillman figures to have plenty of suitors around the NFL but the opportunity to reunite with former coach Lovie Smith might draw him to Tampa Bay. More on the Buccaneers..

Along with the Ravens, the Buccaneers and Raiders could be a landing spot for free agent wide receiver Steve Smith, a source tells Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer (on Twitter). Earlier today, Smith’s agent revealed that his client has played his last snap in Carolina.
The Buccaneers confirmed that they are hosting free agent wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., writes Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Ginn, the ninth-overall pick in the 2007 draft, has made a name for himself in the return game. Ginn, 29 in April, averaged 12.2 yards per punt return in 2013 and 23.8 yards per kickoff return.
Former Buccaneers guard Davin Joseph is visiting the Rams today, a source tells Jeremy Fowler of CBS Sports (on Twitter). Joseph saw time in all 16 games for Tampa Bay last season.

NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

March 9th, 2014 at 9:15pm CST by Ben Levine

A couple of notes from around the NFC East…

It appears that the Cowboys are ready to move on from Miles Austin, but there’s a chance DeMarcus Ware could stick around, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. Earlier this week, we learned that the Cowboys wanted Ware to take a pay cut.
The Eagles could be interested in a “game-breaking return specialist” and there should be plenty on the market, says Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com. He mentions Dexter McCluster, Devin Hester and Ted Ginn Jr. as potential fits, with McCluster being the most intriguing.
In the same article, Sheridan discusses his belief that the Eagles won’t move DeSean Jackson this offseason. He adds that he thinks the team will draft one or two receivers and because of that, there is no guarantee that Jackson is with the team beyond 2014.
The Eagles won’t overspend on an edge rusher but will certainly look to upgrade at the position, says Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. McLane mentions Mike Neal and O’Brien Schofield as potential targets.
Following a disappointed season, the Giants don’t seem unwilling to let all 26 of their free agents go, writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. Vacchiano points out that the team would love to keep linebacker Jon Beason, though.
The Giants reported interest in Alterraun Verner and other top cornerbacks is for real, says Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Raanan also refers to the team’s previous interest in Sam Shields.

NFC Notes: Eagles, Vikings, Saints, Panthers

March 6th, 2014 at 11:17am CST by Luke Adams

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer dismisses recent rumors that have suggested the Eagles may be getting closer to parting ways with DeSean Jackson. While McLane acknowledges the team hasn’t been happy with all of Jackson’s off-field actions, the Inquirer scribe says that even if the Eagles got to the point where they wanted to part ways with the receiver, they “most certainly” wouldn’t cut him without getting anything in return. For now, Philadelphia has no interest in moving Jackson, according to McLane.

Let’s round up a few more items related to NFC teams….

As Ben Goessling of ESPN.com details, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson sounds as if he’d like to see his team sign Michael Vick in free agency this offseason.
While it’s possible that another team will make a run at Saints franchise player Jimmy Graham, it’s very difficult to imagine a scenario in which New Orleans lets its star pass catcher get away, writes Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.
The Panthers may have interest in pursuing return specialist Devin Hester in free agency, but it will depend how their negotiations with Ted Ginn Jr. go, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Redskins safety and special teams captain Reed Doughty would like to re-sign with the team, but he doesn’t expect to ink a new deal before the free agent period begins on Tuesday, says Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com.

South Rumors: Pollard, Texans, Buccaneers

March 3rd, 2014 at 8:07pm CST by Ben Levine

The Titans re-signed Bernard Pollard this afternoon and a couple interesting notes have trickled out since. According to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com (via Twitter), Pollard did not use his agent and worked out the new deal himself. General manager Ruston Webster told Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean (via Twitter) that “getting this deal done today helps our overall plan for this offseason…. We still have work ahead of us trying to retain some of our other players, but we are glad to be able to get this one done.” Among the team’s other free agents are cornerback Alterraun Verner and receiver Kenny Britt.

Some more whispers from the teams down south…

The Texans should consider signing receiver Sidney Rice, writes Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. The team doesn’t have much cap room, but Rice shouldn’t cost a lot. As DiRocco points out, adding Rice to the duo of DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson should give the team plenty of depth and talent at the position.
Heading into the NFL Draft, the Buccaneers only have five draft picks and will likely have to be active in free agency. As a result of that, the team may be looking to clear more cap space, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. He mentions Darrelle Revis, Michael Koenen and Donald Penn as potential cap casualties.
The Falcons have began discussions with Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters and Joe Hawley, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In the same article, Ledbetter mentions potential free agent targets for Atlanta, including Jairus Byrd, Michael Johnson and Michael Bennett.
What’s next for the Panthers after franchising Greg Hardy and learning of Jordan Gross‘s retirement? It appears to be re-signing safety Michael Mitchell and receiver Ted Ginn Jr., according to David Newton of ESPN.com. The team has started talking to representatives for the two players.

Panthers Could Let Hardy Walk

February 8th, 2014 at 8:49am CST by Matt Feminis

In a year’s time, Panthers second-year GM Dave Gettleman has taken the team from $16MM over the salary cap to approximately $16MM under the cap. Ostensibly, that’s enough to bring free agent defensive end Greg Hardy back into the fold, be it on a long-term deal or one-year franchise tender, but it’s not that simple, according to the Charlotte Observer’s Joseph Person.

Hardy’s bookend, veteran sack artist Charles Johnson, carries a team-high $16.24MM cap hit in 2014. So while retaining a budding pass rusher seems like an obvious move, sacrificing Hardy to maintain financial flexibility is a realistic scenario. Person also floats the idea of a “tag-and-trade” scenario, which would garner better compensation than the Panthers would receive if they just let Hardy sign elsewhere.

Also factoring in the decision is the uncertainty of left tackle Jordan Gross‘ future, looming big-money extensions for young stars Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly and other current free-agent priorities, including cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr. Person points out that Gettleman got creative last year by cutting veterans and restructuring others. If he goes that route again, safety Charles Godfrey, recovering from an Achilles injury, could be on the chopping block. Releasing Godfrey before June 1 would recoup $2.1MM in cap space, or $5.1MM post June 1.