LaDainian Tomlinson is coming to Minnesota for a visit, and the Vikings believe he could be a good fit.

Tomlinson is scheduled to meet today with coach Brad Childress and other members of the organization. The 2006 NFL MVP was released by the San Diego Chargers last month after the least-productive season of his prolific nine-year career.

The Vikings are looking for another running back since Chester Taylor signed with the Chicago Bears.

Childress said he assumes Tomlinson, 30, realizes he'd have to accept a reduced role as a backup to All-Pro Adrian Peterson.

"I would think he knows that, but I always want to overcommunicate clarity so we won't hopscotch around that," Childress said. "We'll have to show him what his role will be."

Typical for an oft-used NFL running back his age, Tomlinson has been on the decline since totaling more than 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns in his MVP season in 2006.

Last year was the first time since he was drafted fifth overall by the Chargers in 2001 that he didn't reach 1,000 yards rushing. His experience, sure hands and usefulness in the passing game, however, are important parts of the job description.

Peterson, who turns 25 later this month, has had a problem with fumbling. He frequently was replaced by Taylor on third downs.

Like one of his errant passes, quarterback Derek Anderson sent a rocket at Browns fans he wishes he could take back. Anderson, 26, apologized to Cleveland fans after calling them "ruthless" and adding they "don't deserve a winner" after his release by the team Tuesday. "I wasn't taken out of context, but I was speaking out of frustration after my career with the Browns came to a close," Anderson said.

Anderson's release came one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade from Seattle. Anderson was due a $2 million roster bonus on March 19.

Wide receiver Antonio Bryant is "very close to an agreement with Cincinnati, said his agent, Lamont Smith. If Bryant signs, it likely would preclude the addition of Terrell Owens.

The Bengals are trying to find a complement for Chad Ochocinco, the only receiver with appreciable experience on the roster. Ochocinco has lobbied to get Owens, who was in town to meet team officials. Instead, the Bengals appeared to be closing in on Bryant, who visited Tuesday and left without a deal in place.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Bryant, 29, would get a four-year, $28 million contract.

Looking to replace Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia signed free agent Marlin Jackson to a two-year contract. Jackson, a 2005 first-round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts, is coming off two season-ending knee injuries. He missed the second half of 2008 with a torn ACL in his right knee and returned last season before tearing the ACL in his left knee in a November practice.

Free-agent nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu, 31, signed a two-year, $6,975,000 contract with Washington. Kemoeatu, 6 feet 5, 345 pounds, spent last season on injured reserve with the Carolina Panthers.

Vikings lineman Pat Williams echoed teammate Kevin Williams in telling a judge he didn't know an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement contained a substance banned by the NFL.

Pat Williams, a 13-year veteran, testified he first took StarCaps when he was with the Bills, where a trainer told him it was a legal supplement. Williams also said he checked out StarCaps online and "everything looked legal."

The Jets re-signed tight end Ben Hartsock, 29, to a two-year deal worth $3.2 million. ... The Lions signed free-agent cornerback Jonathan Wade to a one-year contract. ... Wide receiver Derrick Mason has agreed to re-sign with the Ravens after accepting terms on a two-year deal. ... The Chiefs signed free-agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith, 6-2, 325 pounds, who played last season for Cincinnati. ... The Titans agreed to a three-year, $11 million contract with linebacker Will Witherspoon. ... Offensive lineman Wade Smith, an unrestricted free agent courted for his versatility, has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans.

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