Ex-Bulldog Watson signs with Cleveland

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Browns filled a gaping offensive hole, signing free agent tight end Ben Watson to a multiyear contract.

The former Georgia standout spent the past six seasons with the New England Patriots, where he previously worked with Browns coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

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. He is the third free agent to sign with Cleveland, joining linebacker Scott Fujita and right tackle Tony Pashos.

Watson visited the Browns on Thursday, when the club also hosted quarterback Jake Delhomme and running back Justin Fargas.

Delhomme was scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Friday. While the Super Bowl champions are looking for a backup for Drew Brees, the Browns may see Delhomme as their starter. That prospect could be enough for Cleveland to land the 35-year-old, who was released by Carolina last week.

It is not known if the Browns offered Delhomme a contract.

Meanwhile, Watson should improve a position that has been thin for the Browns since they traded Kellen Winslow.

"We viewed Ben as one of the top all-around tight ends in the free agent market," Browns general manager Tom Heckert said. "Because of his athleticism and intelligence, he has proven valuable as both a receiver and blocker during his career, and has performed well in both facets. He comes from a winning program in New England and possesses the traits that we like in a player.

"We feel as though he can help us in many different areas and we are excited about his addition to our team."

Last season, the 29-year-old Watson started all 16 games and caught 29 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns.

A first-round draft choice by the Patriots in 2004, the 6-foot-3, 255-pounder has made 47 career starts. He has caught 167 passes for 2,102 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Tomlinson's meeting with Jets goes to OT

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 planned to have 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 the dinner plans prevented him from catching a flight to the West Coast. 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 without a deal. He arrived in the New York area Thursday night.

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.

Bryant to complement Ochocinco in Cincy

CINCINNATI - Antonio Bryant is the latest complementary receiver to Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati.

Bryant 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.

"It was definitely a plus to me that this team really seemed to want me," Bryant said in a conference call. "The interest of the coaches and everyone in the organization made me feel comfortable. It's always easy to go out and pe