David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ginn Jr., Jones may offer Panthers options to upgrade return game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers are interested in a potential homecoming with return specialist Ted Ginn Jr., but the ninth pick of the 2007 draft may have more interest in returning home.

Ginn was released by Arizona on Monday. The Cleveland Browns reportedly already have been in contact with his agent about bringing him to his hometown where he played at Glenville High for his father, Ted Ginn Sr., before starring at Ohio State.

Ginn Sr. still is the coach at Glenville.

That's a pretty strong tie.

Ginn's tie to Carolina isn't quite so strong. He played one season for the Panthers in 2013 before signing a three-year deal with Arizona. Carolina didn't want to lose Ginn, but couldn't compete in free agency with the three-year, $9.75 million offer by the Cardinals.

Ginn was popular among his teammates, as you can see by this tweet from fullback Mike Tolbert.

The Panthers have more money to spend in free agency this year, although Ginn isn't in a position to demand a high salary. But it likely will come down to more than money with the hometown connection.

Ginn isn't the only kick returner on the market. The Baltimore Ravens released Jacoby Jones, one of two players that ranked in the top 10 in kickoff and punt returns last season.

Jones finished second in the NFL in kickoff returns (30.6 yard average) and had a 108-yard return for a touchdown at Pittsburgh.

Two years ago, Jones helped the Ravens beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl with a 56-yard touchdown catch and a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He struggled as a receiver this past season with only nine catches, his fewest since 2008.

But he might be a more impactful fit for a Carolina team that replaced special teams coach Richard Rodgers after the season because the unit was so dismal.

Carolina didn't have a player ranked in the top 30 in kickoff or punt return yards. Coach Ron Rivera said after the season the team has to commit to players that may only contribute on special teams.

Jones fits that mold.

Ginn returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown last season against the New York Giants, but overall was underwhelming. His 277 punt return yards were the fewest of his career as the primary returner since his rookie season.

His 417 kick return yards were the second fastest of his career. His 19.0 yards a return ranked 26th in the NFL.

The Cardinals avoided paying Ginn $3.25 million by releasing him before March 12.

Ginn had one of his best seasons at Carolina in 2013, catching 36 passes for 556 yards and five touchdowns.  He also ranked seventh in punt return yards with 343 and 11th in kickoff return yards with 657.

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