Ginn will also get a chance to earn snaps at wideout. (Getty Images)
Ted Ginn will also get a chance to earn snaps at wideout. (Getty Images)
Days after working out for the Panthers and impressing coach Ron Rivera, former 49ers wide receiver and return man Ted Ginn will sign a one-year deal with the team, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday.

The 2007 first-round pick of the Dolphins has had more success as a return specialist than wideout in his NFL career, but he could get a chance at the latter with Carolina. The depth chart includes Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and not much else.

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It's a point that Rivera reiterated Wednesday.

“Ted came in and did a nice job. I know our guys really spoke highly of his visit,” the coach said at the time. “The interesting thing about Ted is he gives us some depth at wide receiver who can challenge for playing time. But also he's got special-teams value, which is big. …

“He's an explosive guy coming off the line of scrimmage, too,” Rivera continued. “So there's some huge pluses for us as far as hoping to be able to bring a guy like that into the fold.”

In six NFL seasons, Ginn has 161 receptions for 2,048 yards and six touchdowns. He has averaged 23.2 yards per kick return (3 TDs) and 11 yards per punt return (3 TDs). His best season came in 2008, when he caught 56 passes for 790 yards and two scores.