Prompted by the four-game suspension of R. Jay Soward, the uncertain status of Jimmy Smith and the free-agent defection of Reggie Barlow, the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed journeyman wide receiver Damon Gibson, who played last spring in the now defunct XFL.
Expected to contribute primarily in the kickoff and punt return game, Gibson signed a one-year contract for $389,000.
Gibson, 26, handled the return chores for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998, running back 27 punts for 218 yards and 17 kickoffs for 372 yards. The former University of Iowa standout played in all 16 games that year and also caught 19 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns.
He was selected by Cleveland in the 1999 expansion stocking draft and played two games for the Browns, returning two punts for 9 yards, before being released. Gibson played for the champion Los Angeles Express of the XFL in that league's only season.
Although undersized (5-feet-9, 185 pounds), Gibson is noted for his quickness and deep speed and the former undrafted free agent adds another experienced veteran to the Jaguars' wideout corps. Jacksonville also signed unrestricted free agent Sean Dawkins in the spring.
The team's first-round pick in the 2000 draft, Soward has been suspended for the first four games of the 2001 season because of a repeat violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Barlow signed with the Raiders as a free agent and Smith underwent three abdominal surgeries during the offseason to address an intestinal blockage. Smith has vowed to be ready for training camp, but it is still uncertain how much he will be able to play in preseason contests.
Barlow was the team's primary punt returner in 2000 and also handled some kickoff returns, and Gibson's best chance at earning a roster spot likely is in those roles.
