NFL NOTEBOOK

RB Tomlinson spends day, night with Jets

NEW YORK — LaDainian Tomlinson’s visit with the New York Jets is going to overtime.

The free agent running back met with team officials at the Jets’ training facility in Florham Park, N.J., on Friday and had dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and others in New Jersey.

Tomlinson was scheduled to fly back home to San Diego, but changed his flight after arriving so late Thursday night. Because of that, the Jets extended their visit with him Friday to include dinner. There were also no late-night flights to the West Coast available Friday night.

The running back’s itinerary beyond Friday night had not yet been determined, Jets spokesman Bruce Speight said.

The extra face time with Tomlinson could work in the Jets’ favor as they try to persuade him to join the offense that ranked No. 1 in rushing last season. The visit came a day after Tomlinson met with the Minnesota Vikings and left for the New York area without a deal.

Tomlinson released by San Diego last month, ranks eighth on the NFL’s career rushing list with 12,490 yards. If he chooses to join the Jets, Tomlinson would serve as a backup to Shonn Greene, who emerged in his rookie season and made Thomas Jones expendable. Jones signed with Kansas City earlier this week.

Tomlinson will turn 31 in June and is coming off the least productive season of his career, rushing for 730 yards on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry, all career lows. He scored 12 touchdowns, but his role was reduced in an offense that shifted its focus to Philip Rivers and the passing game.

Redskins sign LJ

WASHINGTON — Not content with just one aging, opinionated running back, the Washington Redskins added a second one Friday night when they signed Larry Johnson to a three-year, incentive-laden contract. Johnson agreed to a deal with a base value of $3.5 million, but he could make as much as $12 million if he meets certain incentives. Johnson (30) joins Clinton Portis (28) in what should make for an intriguing backfield dynamic under new coach Mike Shanahan.

Suspensions ruling ahead

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams could learn in May if their suspensions for violating the NFL’s anti-doping policy will be upheld. Attorneys for the players and the league presented closing arguments Friday in a Minnesota courtroom. Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson says he may rule on the case as early as May 3. The players claim the NFL broke state law when it applied its anti-drug rules two years ago. The two tested positive for a banned diuretic in a bid to lose weight.

Cleveland signs TE

CLEVELAND — The Browns filled a gaping offensive hole, signing free agent tight end Ben Watson to a multiyear contract. Watson spent the past six seasons with the New England Patriots. The Browns did not release financial terms. ESPN.com reported that Watson signed a three-year deal worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed.

Bengals sign WR

CINCINNATI — Antonio Bryant is the latest complementary receiver to Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati. Bryant, who played last season for Tampa Bay, signed a four-year deal with the Bengals on Friday. He ostensibly replaced Laveranues Coles, who spent the 2009 season with the team, but then was released.

Green Bays signs pair

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers signed safety Nick Collins and nose tackle Ryan Pickett to long-term contract extensions Friday, securing the services of two cornerstones in their much-improved defense. The team did not release details of either deal.

Associated Press

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