TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. on Monday, freeing $2.5 million of cap space.
Ginn, who turns 30 in April, had an underwhelming 2014 as Arizona's punt and kick returner and its fifth receiver. His highlight came in Week 2, when he returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants. Beyond that, Ginn struggled with deciding whether to bring kickoffs out of the end zone.
His 277 punt-return yards were the fewest of Ginn's career when he was his team's primary returner since his rookie season in 2007. Ginn's 417 kickoff-return yards were the second fewest of his career.
Ginn finished 2014 with 190 receiving yards on 14 catches. Both were the second fewest of his career in seasons where he was an active receiver.
By releasing Ginn, the Cardinals avoided paying him a $3.25 million base salary, which was guaranteed on March 12. Ginn's contract ran through 2016.