The agreement was later confirmed by Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon. Tomlinson signed a two-year pact worth $5.2 million with an additional $500,000 in incentives.
"He wanted to go a team that he thought had a chance to compete for the championship," Condon told The Associated Press.
Tomlinson had also been in negotiations with the Minnesota Vikings but opted for New York.
Union-Tribune writer Kevin Acee points to the bright lights of New York and the appeal of playing under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as the selling points that caused Tomlinson to don green and white. Schottenheimer is the son of former Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, who was close to Tomlinson.
Tomlinson leaves San Diego after showing wear and tear this past season, posting career-low numbers in carries and yards. His legacy in town is complete, however, as he holds 28 team records. He is also the NFL's eighth-leading career rusher (12,490) and third-leading all-time touchdown scorer (153).
"LT" had his best season in 2006, rushing for 1,815 yards, posting an additional 506 yards through the air and totaling 31 touchdowns.
He is expected to back up Shonn Greene and should tally plenty of touches in New York's run-first offense. The Jets were seeking a backup after releasing Thomas Jones, who later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
