JACKSONVILLE – Seven seasons later, Don Carey is returning to Jacksonville.

Carey, a versatile special teams player who began his career with the Jaguars, is returning to the organization – with a big emphasis on special teams.

Carey, who played the last seven seasons with the Detroit Lions, on Thursday signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent. The signing became official around 10:25 a.m. Thursday.

"There's a bit of nostalgia, but so much has changed that it's brand new," Carey said.

Carey (5-feet-11, 202 pounds), the most-experienced of the free agents expected to sign with the Jaguars on Thursday, said the presence of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and the team's emphasis on special teams played a role in his decision.

"That's kind of how I've made my money in the league," Carey said. "That's something I care deeply about. If that's where I'm at, that's where I'm going to be.

"I spoke with [DeCamillis] on the phone when the news broke that I was coming here. We had a good conversation. I love the schemes he runs. I love his attitude, so I'm happy to learn and work with him."

Carey, originally a sixth-round selection by the Cleveland Browns in the 2009 NFL Draft, spent the 2009 season on the Jaguars' injured reserve list after he was waived/injured with a shoulder injury that August by Cleveland. He played in 15 games for the Jaguars with 10 starts in 2010, registering a career-high 51 tackles with three tackles for loss, an interception and a pass defensed.

Carey has played in 99 career games with 22 starts, registering 120 tackles (87 solo), 11 tackles for a loss, three interceptions and eight passes defensed. He has 71 career special teams tackles, forcing two fumbles and recovering a fumble on special teams.

"It feels good to be in a place where a team wants you," Carey said. "I'm extremely excited to be here and can't wait to get the ball rolling. Wherever they want me, I'm a veteran who knows his role and I'm willing to buy in."