We are continuing on with our season reviews at Saints Wire with New Orleans Saints wide receiver and pending unrestricted free agent, Ted Ginn Jr. The 34-year old receiver has seen noticeable dips in his performance and production each season he has been a member of the Saints. Despite playing a full season in 2019, after an injury-marred 2018, Ginn still posted lackluster numbers.
Level of play in 2019
Ginn was initially brought in by New Orleans ahead of the 2017 season to add speed to the receiving corps. His previous stint with the Carolina Panthers proved fruitful, and if he was able to replicate anything like that production, it would have been for the Saints. Instead, he never really lived up to the expectations, and his 2019 exemplified that.
In 2019, Ginn had just 30 receptions for 421 yards and two touchdowns. Some of the lack of production can be chalked up to the fact that quarterback Drew Brees cannot throw the field downfield as far as he used to. Ginn’s role was originally designed to be a deep threat and spread the field. With an aging Brees, the offense had to become more efficient, and Ginn’s role was reduced.
To put things into perspective, despite Ginn having the second most receptions as a wide receiver, he still only managed to rank fifth on the team in receptions. Backup running back Latavius Murray was able to secure 34 passes. Ginn’s 2019 season was a far cry from what New Orleans envisioned from the veteran receiver when they brought him on three years ago. Now it looks like his time in the Black and Gold us up.
What to expect in 2020
Ginn is an unrestricted agent heading into the offseason. This status allows him to negotiate with any team in the NFL for his services. It would be an absolute shocker if the Saints brought the 34-year old back.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has already publicly stated that he likes his current group of receivers, which likely doesn’t include Ginn going forward. His departure this offseason would remove the $3.5-million cap hit the Saints took in 2019.
The future is not totally bleak for the wideout, however. Despite his age, there is a distinct possibility he could find a place on a team for a one-year deal to play out the 2020 season.
