PHILADELPHIA — 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 today. "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.

"I've been anxious to get back to working out with my teammates so that we can make a run at a championship next season," Smith said. "Signing the contract now allows me to focus in on next season without any distractions. Since the season ended, I've been working hard, but being around my teammates, working together, is only going to make us better next year."

The Eagles signed free-agent tight end Kris Wilson last week. They also have tight ends Matt Schobel and Brent Celek on the roster.