Eagles Place Franchise Tag on L.J. Smith

    The Eagles wasted no time to get their offseason underway by solidifying the Tight End position.  On the first day teams were able to do so, the Eagles announced on their website that they have placed the franchise tag on the tight end.  This means that Smith is given a one-year contract worth the average salary of the top 5 highest paid players at his position.  Look for the team to try and work out a long term contract.

This is what McNabb wanted.  He feels comfortable throwing to Smith, and should indicate that the team plans to keep McNabb around next season.  Having a healthy Smith return for next season will add a dimension that his absence last season made disappear.