Defensive end Bobby McCray has signed his restricted free agent tender, effectively ending the possibility of a training camp holdout.
McCray reported to Jaguars offices on Wednesday to sign the tender, which will pay McCray a $1.85 million salary this season. The Jaguars had tendered McCray at the first-round compensation level heading into the restricted free agency period. It was thought McCray didn't sign the tender initially because he sought a long-term deal.
According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement rules, on Friday the Jaguars could've reduced their tender offer to 110 percent of McCray's 2006 salary, which would've left McCray to earn $480,000 this season. McCray is now poised to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
In other news, the Jaguars have signed rookie fourth-round draft choice Adam Podlesh to a contract. Podlesh, from Maryland, is set to become the Jaguars' punter this year.
Podlesh is the fourth member of the Jaguars' draft class to sign a contract. He was preceded by fourth-round defensive end Brian Smith, fifth-round safety Josh Gattis and fifth-round guard Uche Nwaneri.
McCray hasn't participated in voluntary offseason conditioning, mandatory mini-camp or voluntary organized team activities practices this spring. McCray will be a welcome addition to the Jaguars, who have been depleted at defensive end. Starting left defensive end Reggie Hayward is attempting to make a comeback from Achilles tendon surgery and Hayward hasn't practiced this spring.
In his third pro season last year, McCray, a seventh-round draft choice in 2004, led the Jaguars with 10 sacks. Another such season would likely earn McCray the long-term contract he seeks.
