The Jaguars will have a familiar name on the sideline Saturday night when they host the Tampa Bay Bucs in the second game of the preseason. Defensive tackle Seth Payne could be in uniform for the Jaguars, though he's not expected to play.
Payne is one of four personnel moves the Jaguars announced on Saturday. Offensive tackle Stockar McDougle was put on the injured reserve list with a ruptured Achilles, quarterback Tim Couch was released and the team signed defensive end Tyler King.
"I'm excited. I'm really excited. I didn't want to leave in the first place," Payne told jaguars.com on Saturday. Payne was with the Jaguars from 1997-2001. He was selected by Houston in the 2002 expansion draft.
"There were a lot of other teams I could've had a chance to compete to be a starter with, but with the Jaguars I don't really care. Obviously, I'm not going to be starting," Payne said of his return to Jacksonville.
He signed a one-year contract that includes a $40,000 signing bonus, a $100,000 roster bonus that is to be paid if Payne is on the final roster for the start of the regular season, and a $720,000 minimum-wage salary, of which $200,000 is guaranteed.
"You know, I feel like I have unfinished business here. That 1999 defense is the best I've ever played on and, looking at this team, they have great potential," Payne said.
Payne was released by the Texans last February, after having suffered a second torn anterior cruciate ligament. He tore his left ACL in 2003 and his right one in early October of last season.
"It feels good. The first ACL, we had some complications, but with this one it's gone smoothly," said Payne, 6-4, 315. "I'm cleared to go. I decided I wasn't going to play unless I was 100 percent confident. This last month I've been hitting sleds. We decided we wouldn't accept any offers until Aug. 15. I wanted to make sure I got at least two preseason games in to get ready for the season."
Payne was asked: Can you still play?
"Ask (Jeff) Lageman," he said, referring to the former Jaguars defensive end and current Jaguars radio network broadcast analyst.
McDougle blew out his Achilles in practice earlier this week. Couch had been signed early in training camp and was trying to make a comeback after three surgeries in his arm and shoulder areas. King, 6-5, 266, has spent time with Arizona, St. Louis and San Diego.
