SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The 49ers signed free-agent quarterback David Carr to a two-year deal Monday and agreed to terms with Detroit on a trade that would send backup quarterback Shaun Hill to the Lions for a 2011 draft pick.
Carr said he found San Francisco attractive since he is from California and there was a possibility of playing time after serving as Eli Manning’s backup for the New York Giants the past two seasons.
Niners coach Mike Singletary has repeatedly said 2005 No. 1 pick Alex Smith is the starter but didn’t rule out signing an experienced quarterback who could push Smith.
“They have said that competition is what they love around here,” Carr said.
Holmgren likes vet’s toughness
BEREA, Ohio — Mike Holmgren knows Jake Delhomme is 35 years old and coming off the worst season of his career. It’s his 92 starts, Pro Bowl season and Super Bowl appearance that appealed to the president of the Cleveland Browns.
“My own belief is this team needs an aging veteran,” he said. “They need a guy that is going to grab everybody by the throat and say, ‘Follow me through that door.’ ”
The Browns completed a two-year deal with Delhomme despite his eight touchdowns and 18 interceptions last season with the Panthers.
Seattle making moves
RENTON, Wash. — The Seahawks signed wide receiver Ruvell Martin to a one-year deal and tight end Chris Baker to a multiyear contract.
Martin, 27, played eight games in 2009 for St. Louis. Before joining the Rams, he spent three seasons in Green Bay. He has 58 career catches for 848 yards and six touchdowns. Baker spent last year as a backup with New England after seven seasons with the New York Jets.
The Seahawks also re-signed defensive end Darryl Tapp and released starting safety Deon Grant and running back Tyler Roehl.
Raiders sign Gradkowski, Condo
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Quarterback Bruce Gradkow- ski and Pro Bowl long snapper Jon Condo signed their restricted free-agent tenders and will return to the Raiders next season.
Gradkowski’s deal is worth $1.759 million. He replaced JaMarcus Russell as Oakland’s starting quarterback midway through last season before being sidelined with a knee injury. Condo will make $1.684 million next season.
Footnotes.
The Cardinals agreed to terms on a three- year deal with outside linebacker Paris Lenon. He had 44 tackles — 25 solo — and three forced fumbles with the Rams last season.
• The Packers finalized a two-year deal with Mark Tau- scher, allowing the veteran right tackle to play his entire career for his home state team.
• The Titans agreed to terms with free-agent punter and kicker Ricky Schmitt and also visited with free-agent safety Sean Jones.
• Inside linebacker Larry Foote is returning to the Steelers, signing a three-year contract after a season in Detroit. Foote started for the Steelers when they won the Super Bowl in the 2004 and 2008 seasons.
• Safety Roy Williams agreed to a one-year deal to stay with the Bengals.
• The Giants and Jets both wanted to open next season in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Both will. The Giants will play Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, and the Jets will host a Monday night game the next day. Opponents have not been announced; the full league schedule usually is released in early April.
The Associated Press
