Ted Ginn adds speed to Cardinals WR corps

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn catches a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. (Daniel Shirey – USA TODAY Sports)

By JIM CORBETT

Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians landed the No. 3 vertical-stretch speed receiver he coveted in 8^th-year veteran Ted Ginn, Jr.

The former Carolina Panthers wide receiver/return man will likely move into the slot to open things up for  receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd after signing a three-year deal worth $14.25-million with $5.25 million of his $9.75 million base salary guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the contract told USA TODAY Sports Thursday. That person spoke on the condition of anonymity since the team has not disclosed the contract.

Ginn, 28, caught a career-best five touchdowns and averaged 15.4 yards per catch from quarterback Cam Newton last season in grabbing 36 receptions for 556 yards.

Ginn replaces Andre Roberts who defected to the Washington Redskins.

Because he can take the top off a defense, Ginn will likely draw a safety his way helping open up Fitzgerald and Floyd.

The ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Miami Dolphins is also a dynamic kick returner who averaged 23.8 yards on 25 kickoff returns for 595 yards adding 26 punt returns for 316 yards.