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With NFL free agency officially in full swing, some big name former Buckeye players have signed with new teams after being released just weeks ago.
Brian Hartline, Cleveland Browns
With limited salary cap room, the Miami Dolphins released the former Buckeye player despite three recent 1,000+ yard seasons. Hartline drew immediate interested from several teams, but he will be returning to his home state of Ohio and joining a Brown's team that is trying to deal with yet another Josh Gordon drug suspension. Hoping to make an immediate impact, this six-year NFL veteran still has a lot of years left as a receiver. Hopefully the Brown's coaching staff can make a decision on the quarterback position with enough time to establish chemistry between the pair.
Evan Silva definitely provided one of the better Hartline predictions:
Brian Hartline is gonna score a career-high 5 TDs in '15 and silence the haters.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) March 10, 2015
Ted Ginn Jr, Carolina Panthers
After a less than impressive season with the Arizona Cardinals, Ted Ginn will be given another chance with the team with which he's had the most success. The 2013 in Carolina led to a season high number of touchdowns and targets; Ginn was used as a special teams explosive returner, but the Panthers were the first team to try and utilize his receiving talent in their offense. Carolina likes Ginn enough to have offered a two-year deal for $4.2 million and a signing bonus worth $1.7 million. He's excited to get back to a city that embraced him and a team that has been up-and-coming for the past few years.
A.J. Hawk, Cincinnati Bengals
The former Buckeye player has spent his entire career in Green Bay, but will be returning to Ohio to suit up for the Bengals this fall. He may not have had the electric career that was expected, but he was a consistent contributor to the Packers defense. Hawk flew in to visit with the Cincinnati just prior to the start of free agency, and the team didn't wait long to sign the linebacker.
Bengals signing former Packers LB A.J. Hawk.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2015