Tomlinson Says Deal Makes Him Highest-Paid Back

LaDainian Tomlinson is about to become the NFL’s highest-paid running back.

Tomlinson said Thursday he has agreed in principle to a deal with San Diego that would eclipse the eight-year, $50.5-million contract signed by Washington’s Clinton Portis in the off-season.

Asked if his deal will be worth more than that given Portis, Tomlinson replied, “Absolutely. I don’t think it will even be close.”

Few players have matched Tomlinson’s three years in the NFL, a span in which he has rushed for 4,564 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Tomlinson, the fifth player in NFL history to rush for more than 200 yards in four games, last year became the first to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes.

Tomlinson’s contract will be an extension of the two years he has left. He’s scheduled to earn $5.5 million this year and $6.5 million in 2005.

When Tomlinson signs, he’ll be tied to the Chargers through the 2011 season.

*

Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis’ drug conspiracy trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, the middle of the season.

The date, set by a federal court in Atlanta, comes between the eighth and ninth weeks of the season, meaning that if the trial goes on as scheduled, Lewis could miss a number of games.

Lewis and Angelo Jackson, a childhood friend, are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and using a cell phone in violation of federal law. Jackson is additionally charged with attempted cocaine possession.

*

The NFL has struck deals with two Mexican television networks to televise its games for the next three seasons.

The contracts call for Televisa and TV Azteca to carry NFL games for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons, the league said in a statement.

The networks, which each will carry 23 games, also will televise the next two Super Bowls.

*

The Chicago Bears overcame 19 penalties for 160 yards in their exhibition opener, a 13-10 overtime road victory over St. Louis. Ahmad Merritt returned the overtime kickoff 87 yards to the seven to set up Paul Edinger’s 25-yard winning field goal on the next play.

*

Reserve tight end Daniel Wilcox caught two touchdown passes at Baltimore as the Ravens cruised to a 24-0 exhibition victory over Atlanta. The Falcons’ Michael Vick played only one series.