Browns reach out to Ginn’s agent

By Mary Kay Cabot

Northeast Ohio Media Group

CLEVELAND

The Browns have called the agent for Ted Ginn Jr. and expressed interest in signing the receiver, a league source told Northeast Ohio Media Group today.

Ginn Jr., the Cleveland native and Glenville High product was released this week by the Cardinals with two years remaining on his contract. The Browns are just one of many teams interested.

Ginn, the receiver and returner with devastating speed, would give the Browns the punt returner they desperately needed last season. The Browns finished 28th in the NFL in punt return average.

Browns safety Donte Whitner told NEOMG that he texted coach Mike Pettine and told him that Ginn, Whitner’s fellow former Buckeye, would love to come home and play for the Browns.

“(Pettine) said it’s definitely a consideration,’’ Whitner said. “There may be something to it. Hopefully it will happen.’’

Whitner said Ginn, the No. 9 overall pick by the Dolphins in 2007, “can take the top off a defense and also take it to the house on returns. We need a guy like him on our team.’’

Whitner, who excelled in his first season with the Browns, feels that Ginn would also be rejuvenated here.

“I think it would be a natural fit and I think it would give our fan base another big boost from a hometown guy like Teddy, who played at Ohio State, who played at Glenville High school, who’s a Cleveland native,’’ Whitner said. “And I think it would give him a boost also, playing in front of his friends, and family and fans that grew up watching him, so I think that would be a big career boost for him also.

“I’m hopeful that it happens.’’

He said it would also be a dream come true for Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr., who spent some time talking to Browns owner Jimmy Haslam at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards last month, where he accompanied Glenville product and Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones.

“For Ted Ginn Sr. to see his son’s name on a Browns jersey, I don’t think anything could top that,’’ Whitner said.