Ted Ginn ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash when he was coming out for the draft.
These days? “4.38,” Ginn said. “Without working.”
Not that the Cardinals are necessarily putting a stopwatch on their newest wide receiver/kick returner, who signed a three-year contract Thursday worth a reported $3.25 million a season. Coach Bruce Arians often talked about finding a wide receiver that could stretch the field. Ginn, 40 time aside, is the tangible definition of that guy.
“I’ve been watching this organization for a while, played against them a couple of times,” said Ginn, who played for the Panthers last season and the 49ers and Dolphins before that.
The Ginn signing wasn’t the only news the Cardinals made Thursday. The club also officially announced that linebacker
Meanwhile, free-agent additions are probably not done and could include a high-profile cornerback. Antonio Cromartie, recently released by the Jets in a cost-cutting move after he had made the last two Pro Bowls, was in Tempe visiting the Cardinals Thursday as well.
The Cardinals want to sign a veteran cornerback in free agency. They also wanted to find a
Ginn, the Dolphins’ first-round pick in 2007, caught 36 passes for 556 yards and five touchdowns for the Panthers last season. He also returned 25 kickoffs for an average of 23.8 yards. He would drop right into the kick return role for the Cardinals, who manned it with
He can also return punts, although that figures to remain Peterson’s domain.
“I’ll do what’s best for the team,” Ginn said. “As of right now, I do both.”
Ginn should fit nicely with top receivers
He called the year in Carolina a “rebirth to show I am still a receiver,” after totaling just 33 receptions in three seasons with the 49ers. Before that, he had 128 catches in three seasons with Miami, battling the perception he had speed but inconsistent hands. His five touchdowns last season were a career best.
“This last move is a home now,” Ginn said. “I’m glad about that. I hope I can finish my career here.”
Working on a one-year deal and officially moving to linebacker for the first time in his career, Shaughnessy was a big part of the Cardinals’ No. 1-ranked rushing defense. He came off the bench until the season-ending injury to
As for Cromartie, a signing isn’t imminent and may not even be likely. Negotiations are ongoing. But if the Cardinals can somehow sign him, he would form a formidable duo with fellow Pro Bowler Peterson, with
EXTRA POINTS
Free agent tight end
Former Cardinal guard Daryn Colledge is making a visit to the Rams today, despite the fact the Rams have brought back guard Rodger Saffold on a big deal – after the Raiders, who had agreed to a big Saffold deal over the weekend, failed Saffold on his physical – and that St. Louis hosted free agent guard Davin Joseph. The Cards cut Colledge Tuesday.
