The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed linebacker Lonnie Marts to a

contract. Length and terms of the deal were not disclosed. Marts is

a nine-year veteran who has played for the Kansas City Chiefs,

Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Oilers. He will play

strongside linebacker for the Jaguars and wear jersey No. 56.

In 1998, Marts started 15 of 16 games played for the Oilers, making

a career-high 85 tackles and leading the team with four sacks. He

also forced a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown

at Pittsburgh.

Marts played for the Chiefs from 1990 to '93 after signing as an

undrafted rookie. He played for the Buccaneers from 1994 to '96

and the Oilers the last two seasons. In nine years, Marts has started

89 of 124 games played, making 467 tackles, 15 sacks, 18 forced

fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and four interceptions, while

scoring two TDs.

Marts was a four-year letterman at Tulane, where he was

converted from defensive end to linebacker. He is a native of New

Orleans. Marts and his wife, Gionne, have a daughter, Gilon, and a

son, Lonnie III.

Marts will take the place of Bryce Paup, who is recovering from a

torn pectoral muscle. Paup is expected to be out six to eight weeks

from the time of the injury, which occurred on July 15.

The Jaguars had one vacancy on their roster since first-round draft

choice Fernando Bryant has not signed a contract.

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