The Philadelphia Eagles signed their No. 1 draft choice, offensive tackle Antone Davis, to a unique contract designed to get him into training camp, but continue negotiations for a longer deal.
Davis, a former Tennessee lineman, signed the interim pact Monday morning and reported for practice at nearby West Chester in the afternoon.He noted that since his arrival in camp he was getting a lot smiles from the other players.
"I don't know if that means lookout or for how much money I got," he said.
Eagles president Harry Gamble said Davis signed a one-year contract plus an option year. The deal is still subject to further negotiation.
"We wanted to get Antone in here to camp and Antone wanted to come into camp as well," Gamble said. "With that in mind we reached this type of agreement."
Financial terms were not disclosed, but it is believed that the final contract will give Davis $825,000 to $850,000 per season over a four- or five-year period with a signing bonus.
In the one year and an option contract, Davis reportedly is getting $600,000 up front from what reportedly is a $1.2 million signing bonus if his final pact is for four years. He would get $750,000 up front if the final deal is for five years.
Eagles coach Rich Kotite said Davis will play Saturday in an exhibition game against Cincinnati.
"We have to get him ready for contact work and in hitting shape which is the big thing," Kotite said. "He has been running a lot but he has to get into the football aspect."