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Though the Bengals have tried courting Ted Ginn Jr., who was reportedly offered a two-year deal by the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, uncertainty surrounds Cincinnati's vacant return specialist position. Granted Adam Jones signed on Thursday, he's not (nor should be) a full-time punt returner; just a fresh legged play-maker when the team needs it.
Ginn is being heavily courted by Carolina, writes Joe Reedy with the Cincinnati Enquirer.
"Ted came in and did a nice job. I know our coaches spoke highly of his visit," Rivera said during Wednesday's NFC Coaches Breakfast at the NFL Annual Meetings. "The interesting thing about Ted is he gives us some depth at wide receiver who can challenge for playing time opportunities."
Ginn, who was reportedly offered a deal by Cincinnati, would replace Brandon Tate, last year's return specialist. However, to ensure that they're not sitting at the table without someone in place to return kicks, Brandon Tate has returned back on Cincinnati's radar, according to Geoff Hobson.
Tate returned 32 kicks in 2012 for an average 24.8 yards/return, tied with Bernard Jackson for fifth in franchise history during a single-season. Punt returns however left a lot to be desired.