NFL

Speedy returner Lewis rejoins new Jags coach

JACKSONVILLE -- Pro Bowl return specialist Jermaine Lewis signed a three-year contract with the Jaguars, the sixth veteran free agent signed by the team since March 10.

Lewis spent last season in Houston after Baltimore left him unprotected in the expansion draft. He was cut by the Texans on Feb. 20 because they didn't want to pay him a $500,000 roster bonus.

Lewis is familiar to new Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and personnel chief James Harris. They were with the Ravens when Lewis made the Pro Bowl as a punt returner for Baltimore in 2001.

"We're excited, because Jermaine gives us a playmaker from the return position," Harris said. "He can change the field position of a game very quickly. He has tremendous pure speed (4.3 in the 40)."

The contract is worth nearly $3-million, the Florida Times-Union reported.

BILLS: Free-agent safety Izell Reese signed. Reese had a career-high 51 tackles while starting 15 games for the Broncos last season. Drafted by Dallas in the sixth round in 1998, he has seven interceptions in 71 career games with 30 starts.

JETS: Unrestricted free agent Doug Brien was signed to replace kicker John Hall, who left for the Redskins. Brien began last season with the Vikings but was released in October. He entered the league in 1994 and tied a Super Bowl record that year when he made all seven extra points in San Francisco's 49-26 win over San Diego.

RAMS: Offensive tackle Kyle Turley was acquired from the Saints for a second-round selection in the 2004 draft. Rams coach Mike Martz called the acquisition a "major step in really solidifying the offensive line," and said Turley likely will start at right tackle ahead of John St. Clair, a disappointment last season.

VIKINGS: Minnesota signed free-agent offensive lineman Mike Rosenthal and agreed to terms with cornerback Ken Irvin. Rosenthal had played his entire five-year NFL career with the Giants, and started all 16 games last season. Irvin had 61 tackles and two interceptions in starting 16 games for New Orleans in 2002.

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