The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Friday that they have signed defensive end Juqua Thomas to a five-year contract.

"We're always looking to strengthen our offensive and defensive lines," said general manager Tom Heckert in a statement.

Thomas had career highs in tackles and sacks last season

"And Juqua gives us a lot of options along the defensive line. He can play either side and even has the ability to play as a stand-up end on certain situations in Jim Johnson's scheme. He has done a real solid job over the last two years and we're happy to have him continue his career in Philadelphia."

The 28-year-old Thomas spent the last two seasons in Philadelphia, playing in all 32 regular season games as a reserve defensive end. In 2006, he posted career highs in tackles (47) and sacks (6) in the regular season, while adding 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks during the playoffs.

Thomas was originally signed as a rookie free agent out of Oklahoma State by Tennessee in 2001 and played four seasons for the Titans before signing with Philadelphia during the 2005 training camp.

In 73 career games, the Aldine, TX, native has registered 128 tackles, 11 sacks, 33 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.