Eagles extend contract of LB Jordan

AKEEM JORDAN seemed to be an afterthought when the Eagles brought him back from free agency, after training camp started, the only unrestricted free agent to return to the Birds after the NFL lockout.

But Jordan, a 4-year veteran from James Madison, has the most experience on the Birds' linebacking corps. He made the team, and yesterday management added a year to his 1-year contract. Financial terms were not made available.

The Eagles also announced some number changes. Dion Lewis, one of two No. 27s in the preseason, is moving to 28, with Brandon Hughes retaining 27. Jarrad Page, one of two No. 25s in the preseason, now wears No. 41. Ronnie Brown, who wore Brian Westbrook's old No. 36 in the preseason, will be No. 21, with Joselio Hanson gone. Steve Smith, who never actually wore No. 19 in a preseason game, gets No. 11, and newcomer Kyle DeVan is No. 68.

Lewis will return kickoffs this Sunday, when the Eagles visit St. Louis, and apparently DeSean Jackson will return punts.