Eagles sign L.J. Smith to 1-year contract

PHILADELPHIA, April 2 (UPI) -- Philadelphia signed tight end L.J. Smith to a one-year-contract Wednesday and Eagles Coach Andy Reid said he expects him to have "a Pro Bowl-caliber season."

The team had put a "franchise" tag on Smith in February, guaranteeing that he would receive a one-year deal for 2008 equal to the average of the top five highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.

Smith, 27, drafted in the second round out of Rutgers in 2003, has played in 73 games, starting 53, for the Eagles. His playing time was cut short by injuries last season when he had 22 receptions, one for a touchdown, in 10 games.

"We're glad to have L.J. back," Reid said. "We expect him to have a Pro Bowl-caliber season for us."