The Eagles Sign Receiver Lofton The Rams Cut The Eight-time Pro Bowl Player On Monday. He Leads The Nfl In Career Receiving Yards.

By S.A. Paolantonio, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: October 21, 1993

The Eagles yesterday signed veteran wide receiver James Lofton, an eight- time Pro Bowl player who was cut by two NFL teams this year.

Lofton, 37, is the all-time NFL leader in receiving yards with 13,837 on 751 career catches. But this year, playing with the Los Angeles Raiders and Rams, Lofton caught only one pass for 16 yards. In a youth movement, the Rams

cut him Monday.

However, in signing him to a one-year contract, the Eagles remain confident that Lofton can contribute to a passing game that will likely play for the remainder of the season without starting quarterback Randall Cunningham and top wide receiver Fred Barnett. Both were hurt in the win against the Jets on Oct. 3.

"We feel very fortunate, at this stage of the season, to acquire a player of James Lofton's caliber," said Tom Gamble, the Eagles' director of pro personnel.

The Eagles this year have brought in several veterans discarded by other teams - with not much success. Three defensive linemen - Michael Carter, Tim Harris and Keith Millard - haven't been much of a factor in shoring up a front four decimated by free agency. Indeed, Carter retired in training camp. The other two are out with injuries.

Safety Erik McMillan, signed to a three-year, $4 million contract, failed to make the starting squad and has been used sparingly in the nickel defense. Only tight end Mark Bavaro has been productive.

Lofton, 6-3, 190, was Green Bay's top pick in the 1978 draft out of Stanford. He earned seven trips to the Pro Bowl in nine years with the Packers. He was traded to the Raiders before joining the Buffalo Bills in 1989. He went to three Super Bowls with the Bills and earned another trip to the Pro Bowl in 1991.

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