NEW YORK -- Running back Leon Washington, a restricted free agent who's recovering from a broken right leg, will sign his tender with the New York Jets, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.
Washington is traveling from his home in Florida to New Jersey on Wednesday night and will sign Thursday morning. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't yet been signed.
Washington, a fourth-round draft pick out of Florida State in 2006, received a second-round tender worth $1.759 million last month.
The former Pro Bowl kick returner suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula during an Oct. 25 game at Oakland and missed the rest of the season. He has been training at the Athletes' Performance-Andrews Institute in Pensacola, Fla., for the past five weeks.
When healthy, Washington has been one of the NFL's more dynamic players, serving a dual role as a kick returner and running back. He took his time after being tendered, exploring his options before deciding to sign with the Jets.
Washington, 27, was injured on his first carry against the Raiders when defensive lineman Tommy Kelly rolled up on the running back's leg after a 6-yard run during the first quarter of the Jets' 38-0 victory. It was a gruesome injury that required a rod to be inserted into the tibia, and many speculated about whether Washington would be able to fully recover or even play again.
Washington said in January that doctors told him he was way ahead of the normal recovery rate. He's beginning to run and will continue his rehabilitation at the Jets' team facility.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
