The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed New York Jets TE Kyle

Brady to an offer sheet and today submitted it to the NFL. The Jets

have until 12:00 midnight next Wednesday to match the offer sheet

for Brady, who is a "transition player" in this year's free agency.

Brady will become a Jaguar if the Jets decline to match the offer

sheet. Length and terms of the offer sheet are not disclosed.

Brady, 27, was a first-round draft choice of the Jets in 1995, the

ninth choice overall. In four seasons, he started 59 of 63 games

played (missing only one), and he caught 93 passes for 933 yards

(10.3-yard average) and 10 touchdowns. In 1998, Brady set career

highs with 30 catches for 315 yards and five TDs.

At 6-6, 268 pounds, Brady is considered one of the best blocking

tight ends in the NFL. He was a consensus All-American and

two-time All-Big 10 selection at Penn State, helping lead the Nittany

Lions to their first-ever Rose Bowl victory in 1994. In four years at

Penn State, Brady had 76 receptions for 940 yards and nine

touchdowns.

As a transition player, Brady has already received an offer from the

Jets at the average of the top 10 tight ends' salaries of 1998, giving

that team a first-refusal right to match an offer sheet. No draft

choice compensation would be required if Brady becomes a Jaguar.

# # #