LaDainian Tomlinson’s agent, Tom Condon, confirmed yesterday (Sun., Mar. 14) that the New York Jets signed the former Chargers running back to a two-year contract.
The Jets confirmed that they have agreed to a deal, adding the aging star to the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense last season.
A source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Tomlinson’s contract is for $5.1 million with an escalator that could boost it to $5.6 million.
“He wanted to go to a team that he thought had a chance to compete for the championship,” Condon told the AP. “He wanted to go somewhere where he had a chance to have a significant role, and so with the Jets he also was going to be very familiar with the offensive system.”
The Jets reached the AFC Championship Game last season, eliminating Tomlinson and the Chargers along the way.
The 2006 NFL MVP, cut last month by San Diego, chose New York over Minnesota after visiting the Vikings on Thursday. Tomlinson spent Friday with the Jets, capping it with dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and other team officials.
He was drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2001 out of TCU, and immediately became a star as he helped the Chargers become a perennial playoff contender. His 138 career touchdowns rushing rank second in NFL history, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third.
Information from Espn.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.