Douglas Signs With Jaguars

Hugh Douglas was looking for a new team, and the Jacksonville Jaguars were seeking impact players.

The result was the somewhat unexpected five-year, $27-million contract the former Philadelphia Eagle pass rusher signed Saturday with the Jaguars, who have their salary cap back in order and are suddenly one of the most active teams in free agency.

One of the most sought players in this year’s free-agent class, Douglas will join former Indianapolis linebacker Mike Peterson, who signed a $20-million deal on Thursday.

The Jaguars also signed Houston linebacker Keith Mitchell to a low-price contract as new Coach Jack Del Rio attempts to upgrade speed and talent and make the Jaguars competitive again.

“I’m excited, this is a young up-and-coming defense,” Douglas said. “It reminds me of when Andy Reid came to Philadelphia -- the concept of building a good, young team and making a run for the playoffs.”

Douglas’ contract includes a $6-million signing bonus and the base salary goes from $3.3 million to $5 million after the second season -- meaning the contract will have to be reworked before 2005 if the Jaguars want to retain him.

Douglas will be 33, and Jacksonville will know whether he’s still in the prime of his career or on the downside. He has 73 1/2 sacks in eight seasons.

He had 12 1/2 sacks last season, a number that allowed him, by terms of his contract, to test the free-agent market this year.

Douglas gives the Jaguar defense a top-line pass rusher, something it lacked last season, especially after Tony Brackens was lost because of a knee injury.

The Jaguars also signed fullback Marc Edwards, who spent the last two seasons with New England.

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Punter Hunter Smith signed a contract to stay with the Indianapolis Colts. The team did not disclose contract terms, but the Indianapolis Star reported that the deal is for six years and about $4.8 million.