LaDainian Tomlinson has a new home in the Big Apple. The New York Jets has signed the former Chargers running back to a two-year contract, according to his agent, Tom Condon.
The Jets confirmed that they have agreed to a deal, reports ESPN.com.
“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.”
A source told ESPN that Tomlinson’s contract is for $5.1 million with the potential to reach $5.6 million.
The good news comes after the 2006 NFL MVP was cut last month by San Diego. While multiple options were on the table, Tomlinson chose New York over Minnesota after visiting the Vikings on Thursday. The soon-to-be 31-year-old left Minnesota without a deal, headed to New York, where he spent all day Friday with the Jets touring the team’s facility and new stadium – ultimately becoming his new team.
Before the paint can even dry good on his locker, the Jets are already selling Tomlinson jerseys on their official Web site within minutes of announcing the deal. The green and white replicas sans a jersey number for now, since third-year cornerback Dwight Lowery currently wears Tomlinson’s familiar No. 21, are priced at $80.
