The Jaguars signed sixth-round draft Clenton Ballard to a contract today. Ballard, a defensive tackle from Southwest Texas State, became the fourth member of the Jaguars 2002 draft class to agree to terms. He was preceded by seventh-round wide receiver Kendall Newson, fourth-round tight end Chris Luzar, and third-round linebacker Akin Ayodele.
Ballard agreed to a three-year deal that includes a $74,000 signing bonus. He would earn league-minimum salaries of $225,000, $300,000 and $380,000, though his contract includes a split-salary provision in each of the first two years, which would reduce his salary if he was placed on the injured reserve list. All four of the draft-class signees have agreed to split-salary provisions.
Five members of the draft class remain to be signed. They are: First-round defensive tackle John Henderson, second-round offensive tackle Mike Pearson, fourth-round quarterback David Garrard, and seventh-round cornerback Steve Smith and seventh-round kicker Hayden Epstein.
