Eagles sign Jevon Kearse

PHILADELPHIA, March 3 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Eagles announced Wednesday they had signed one of the premier players in this year's free-agent crop -- defensive end Jevon Kearse.

Kearse reportedly agreed to an eight-year deal worth $66 million, including a $16 million signing bonus.

The Eagles are more than $22 million under the salary cap.

Philadelphia was expected to go after wide receivers in the free agent market, but finding a pass rusher on defense was the priority for Coach Andy Reid.

After losing Hugh Douglas to free agency following the 2002 season, the Eagles traded up in the first round to draft Jerome McDougle. But McDougle was injured most of his rookie year.

Philadelphia has yet to re-sign outside linebacker Carlos Emmons and starting cornerbacks Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, leaving it plenty of room under the cap to make a huge offer.

Kearse, 27, led the Tennessee Titans in sacks in four of his five seasons.