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Bench Warmer
The Jacksonville Jaguars and offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, the eighth overall pick in the draft, have reached a contract agreement.
The Florida Times-Union was first to report a deal had been struck and said agent Sanat Shah is en route to Jacksonville to finalize the five-year contract.
The source said Monroe is expected on the practice field with the team Friday night. The team held its final public practices of training camp Thursday, as Monroe missed 22 workouts over 12 days.
The Jaguars selected Monroe out of Virginia in an effort to refortify their offensive line, which was decimated by injuries during a 5-11 season in 2008.
After adding veteran left tackle Tra Thomas as a free agent, they drafted Monroe and Eben Britton out of Arizona with their first two picks.
Thomas is expected to be the starter on opening day in Indianapolis, but it wouldn't be surprising if the team eventually shifts to Monroe as they get their youth experience in what they've called a retooling season.
Monroe's deal was expected to be worth a little more than the reported five-year, $28.5 million ($18 million guaranteed) that the ninth pick, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji , agreed to Thursday.
The Florida Times-Union was first to report a deal had been struck and said agent Sanat Shah is en route to Jacksonville to finalize the five-year contract.
The source said Monroe is expected on the practice field with the team Friday night. The team held its final public practices of training camp Thursday, as Monroe missed 22 workouts over 12 days.
The Jaguars selected Monroe out of Virginia in an effort to refortify their offensive line, which was decimated by injuries during a 5-11 season in 2008.
After adding veteran left tackle Tra Thomas as a free agent, they drafted Monroe and Eben Britton out of Arizona with their first two picks.
Thomas is expected to be the starter on opening day in Indianapolis, but it wouldn't be surprising if the team eventually shifts to Monroe as they get their youth experience in what they've called a retooling season.
Monroe's deal was expected to be worth a little more than the reported five-year, $28.5 million ($18 million guaranteed) that the ninth pick, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji , agreed to Thursday.
