LJ Smith Signs Tender

Tight end L.J. Smith signed the one-year contract he was tendered by the Philadelphia Eagles when they placed the franchise tag on him two months ago. Smith will make $4.5 million, the average of the top five salaries at his position. “We’re glad to have L.J. back,” coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “We expect him to have a Pro Bowl-caliber season for us. I know he’s worked very hard since the 2007 campaign ended, and he will continue to do so throughout the offseason.” Smith had just 22 catches for 236 yards and one touchdown in only 10 games during an injury-plagued season last year. A second-round pick in 2003, Smith has 194 receptions for 2,227 yards and 15 TDs in five years with the Eagles. He had a career-best 61 catches in 2005.