Jags Sign WR Northcutt to a 5 year contract

Jags Agree to 5-Year Deal With Northcutt- see my end comment
By Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars believe they found a legitimate deep threat in free agency, agreeing to a five-year contract with former Cleveland receiver Dennis Northcutt on Sunday.

Northcutt was flying to Jacksonville for a physical Sunday and was expected to sign the deal Monday.

The contract was reportedly worth $17 million and included a $4.5-million signing bonus.

Northcutt had 276 receptions for 3,438 yards and 11 touchdowns in seven years with the Browns. He caught 117 passes for 1,535 yards and four touchdowns during the 2003-04 seasons. His production dipped the last two years with 64 receptions for 669 yards and two scores.

But the Jaguars think he will help spread the field for quarterback Byron Leftwich, receivers Matt Jones and Reggie Williams and the running game.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Northcutt also could help the Jaguars on special teams since he ranked fourth in the league last season in punt returns.

Northcutt would be the second free agent signing for the Jaguars. They signed former Baltimore right tackle Tony Pashos to a five-year contract worth $24 million Friday.


So Coach Del Rio is quite serious about putting a winner on the field. Northcutt was wasting away the last two years as his numbers dipped in Cleveland. He was close to being a "phenom" coming out of Northern Arizona University in the 2000 Draft. This gives Jacksonville a legitimate #2 Receiver, as well as a great Punt Returner. it also gives Coach Del Rio some offensive peace of mind.