Eagles' Smith signs 1-year deal for $4.5M.

Eagles tight end L.J. Smith ended all the speculation about a possible holdout by signing a one-year contract Wednesday.

In accordance with the franchise tag the team placed on him after last season, Smith's deal is for $4.5 million - the average of the five highest-paid tight ends in the NFL in 2007.

"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 in a statement. "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.''

Smith, 27, also hopes to be better next year. Hampered by a sports hernia and strained groin last season, he caught just 22 passes for 263 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.

When healthy, he is one of quarterback Donovan McNabb's top targets. Smith, a second-round draft pick from Rutgers in 2003, has 194 career receptions for 2,227 yards and 15 touchdowns.

If he can prove that he's recovered from the injuries that slowed him in 2007, the Eagles might consider negotiating a long-term contract with Smith. Otherwise, he will become an unrestricted free agent next year.

"We're glad to have L.J. back," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "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 is among four tight ends on the roster, joining Brent Celek, Matt Schobel and newly acquired Kris Wilson. Wilson was Tony Gonzalez's backup in Kansas City and can play fullback.

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