The Eagles have placed the franchise tag on tight end L.J. Smith. It doesn't surprise me and I think it makes good sense because they're not going to be able to find a tight end out there who will give them more than a healthy L.J. Smith can give them in the upcoming season.
L.J. knows the offense and he's got more speed than the other two tight ends on the roster, Brent Celek and Matt Schobel. I think the combination of Celek and Smith will present problems for defenses. The youngster will flourish as the second tight end. Plus the fact that L.J. will be trying to play well to get a big contract from somebody else will be a good motivating factor.
I like this move. It signals that maybe the Birds front office wants to get off their butts and stock this roster with some weapons. Hopefully it hurt them as much as it did Eagles fans to see the Giants winning the Super Bowl.
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If Smith were to receive a contract offer from another club, the Eagles would have 7 days to match the offer. If they choose not to match the offer, then the Eagles would receive two first-round draft choices as compensation. If Smith re-signs with Philadelphia, he would receive a one-year contract equivalent to the average of the top five highest paid players at his position in the league.
“L.J. Smith has been a very productive tight end in our offense,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He is healthy and working his tail off so he can have a very successful 2008 season.”
Smith, 27, has caught 194 passes for 2,227 yards and 15 touchdowns during his five-year career in Philadelphia. A 2nd round draft pick from Rutgers in 2003, Smith has played in 73 games (53 starts) and 7 playoff contests. Smith endured an injury-plagued season in 2007 to post 22 receptions for 236 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.
