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KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Looking to bolster its special teams, the Seattle Seahawks signed free agent wide receiver and kick returner Willie Ponder on Tuesday.

Ponder

Ponder spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants, playing in 26 games, used primarily on kickoff returns. The sixth-round draft pick in 2003 averaged 25.9 yards per return last season after leading the league in 2004, averaging 26.9 yards per return.

His return average was sixth in the league last year, and he had a career-long 95-yard return for a touchdown against Arizona. Ponder was cut by the Giants on Saturday after New York chose to keep Michael Jennings.

Ponder also has eight career receptions.

To clear room for Ponder, the Seahawks cut receiver Maurice Mann, who was impressive in the preseason and beat out veteran Peter Warrick for the final receiver spot on Seattle's roster. Mann led the Seahawks with 10 catches for 90 yards in the preseason.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press