NEW YORK — LaDainian Tomlinson is bolting for the Big Apple.
Tomlinson’s agent, Tom Condon, said Sunday 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.”
I’ve seen a lot of analysts bash this signing, which only supports my theory that 90% of the world’s population qualifies as mentally retarded. Tomlinson may be 31 and on the downside of his career, but if you asked me who I’d take as a BACKUP running back among the free agent crop, Tomlinson is a no brainer. He will spell Shonn Greene and come in on third downs for his pass catching abilities, something that Thomas Jones struggled with. This is a low risk/high reward type of move, because if he’s really finished the Jets will cut him and Leon Washington will pick up the slack.   But if Tomlinson can still play, I like his chances to have a productive year for us. Don’t forget- Jones was 31 last year when he rushed for 1400 yards and 14 touchdowns behind the best offensive line in football. Shamus O’Cabbage’s mother could tote the rock in that offense.
