NFL

Jets agreed to terms with RB LaDainian Tomlinson on a two-year, $5.2 million contract. Another $500,000 is available via incentives. Tomlinson, 31 in June, does give the Jets another option at the goal line, but his addition is probably more of a threat to Leon Washington’s 2010 total touches than Shonn Greene’s. Greene is clearly the team’s new go-to back, while Washington may now be primarily counted on to return kicks as opposed to change-of-pace and third-down duties as he comes off a compound leg fracture. LT obviously doesn’t have much left, but he could perhaps still offer some value on 8-10 touches per game off the bench.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Oakland: Raiders acquired OLB Kamerion Wimbley from the Browns in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Wimbley, the No. 13 overall pick in 2006, is just 26 years old and led Cleveland in sacks last season, so the move is surprising at first glance. However, the Cleveland Browns have stockpiled quality depth at outside linebacker, and could turn to Marcus Benard (3.5 sacks in ’09), trusty Jason Trusnik, gifted Alex Hall, or 2009 second-round pick David Veikune opposite Matt Roth. In Oakland, Wimbley will likely start at left defensive end, replacing Greg Ellis. He’ll be playing with his hand in the dirt for the first time since Florida State.

Denver: Broncos acquired QB Brady Quinn from the Browns in exchange for FB Peyton Hillis, a 2011 sixth-round pick, and a conditional late-round pick in 2012. While Quinn won’t be guaranteed anything in Denver Broncos, he’ll have to beat out Tom Brandstater and Chris Simms just to threaten Kyle Orton. At Notre Dame, Quinn played in essentially an identical offense to the one Josh McDaniels runs in Denver and McDaniels’ track record of coaching up QBs is highly impressive.

Detroit: Lions acquired QB Shaun Hill from the 49ers in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in 2011.
Hill, 30, lost his starting job to the more physically gifted Alex Smith last year, but holds a career record of 10-6 and TD-to-INT ratio of 23:11. He’s also familiar with Detroit Lions OC Scott Linehan’s system from their time together in Minnesota early in Hill’s career. Hill obviously won’t threaten Matthew Stafford’s playing time, but shouldn’t have much trouble beating out Drew Stanton to be Stafford’s primary backup. He’s a solid addition for Detroit.

Cleveland: Jake Delhomme’s two-year contract with the Browns will pay him $7 million in the first season.
Delhomme, who was benched last season after compiling an 8:18 TD-to-INT ratio, will all in all collect $19.7 million in 2010 because the Panthers are on the hook to pay him $12.7M per his old contract. We very much doubt that any other team would’ve paid the 35-year-old $7 million for one season, but the Browns’ decision to do so indicates Delhomme is the favorite to start over Seneca Wallace.

New York Jets: The Jets are having internal discussions regarding restricted free agent Brandon Marshall, sources tell Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post. Lombardi says the Jets would “love to put together a package of players that might entice the Broncos and still keep their first-round pick.” It’s hard to imagine the Broncos giving up their petulant star without getting a top draft pick, but Marshall would be a dynamic book end for Braylon Edwards. This news also sheds some light on what the Jets think of Jerricho Cotchery.

Green Bay: Packers re-signed RT Mark Tauscher to a two-year contract. Tauscher didn’t join the Packers until Week 5 last season because of the ACL he tore in December of 2008. But he immediately improved a shaky offensive line, starting the final nine games at right tackle. Even at age 33 next season, Tauscher will be the favorite to start at that spot once again.

San Diego: Updating a previous item, the Cardinals and Seahawks are both reportedly “discussing contract parameters” with restricted free agent QB Charlie Whitehurst. The third-round tender doesn’t seem to be prohibitive, though the Seahawks would have to work out a trade since they don’t have a pick in that round (Arizona has two). Seattle is looking for Matt Hasselbeck’s successor while the Cardinals are seeking competition for Matt Leinart. Though totally unproven, Whitehurst offers size, athleticism, and a strong arm.

Cincinnati: Bengals re-signed SS Roy Williams to a one-year contract. It’s likely a bargain contract, as Williams wasn’t drawing interest on the open market. Though Williams remains likely to play on running downs, Chinedum Ndukwe is a superior option in coverage. Expect the Bengals to look for a long-term solution at strong safety in the upcoming draft.

2010 NFL Draft: According to the National Football Post, Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant draft stock is “slipping and might continue to slip.” “I talked to two teams that need a receiver and feel like he’s a huge talent but also a huge risk,” the NFP’s Mike Lombardi writes. Bryant could ease a lot of concerns by showing up to his March 25 individual workout in tip-top shape and performing well. He’s going to be a steal if he gets out of the top ten.