Jets Finally Sign No. 1 Pick Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, agreed Tuesday to a $15 million, six-year contract with the New York Jets, acknowledging his 24-day holdout has left him behind in his quest for a starting spot.

The contract includes a $6.5 million signing bonus and offers Johnson a chance to earn an additional $2 million in incentives if he reaches two of four standards in each of the first four years - 12 TD catches, a Pro Bowl selection, 85 receptions and 1,000 yards receiving.

Johnson will not play in the Jets’ exhibition at Philadelphia on Thursday night, but hopes to see some action the following week against the New York Giants. In just two seasons at Southern California, Johnson became the No. 2 receiver in school history in catches and yardage, with 176 for 2,940 yards, second in both categories to Johnnie Morton.

He said he would work hard to make up for lost practice and study time.

“I was here just three days for mini-camp and they gave me a playbook this thick,” said Johnson, opening his hands wide. “You can’t learn that much in three days. Where other people work 24 hours a day, I’ll work 48 to catch up.”

Johnson’s signing leaves only two top-10 picks unsigned, No. 3 Simeon Rice with the Arizona Cardinals and No. 8 Tshimanga Biakabutuka of the Carolina Panthers.

Wheatley has stress fracture

Tyrone Wheatley, arguably the best running back in the New York Giants’ training camp, may have a stress fracture in his left leg, and it could sideline the former No. 1 draft choice for a few weeks.

A bone scan taken Monday showed some abnormality, but it was not conclusive, Giants trainer Ronnie Barnes said after Wheatley missed his second straight day of practice.

Woodson gives receiving a try

Move over Deion Sanders, here comes Rod Woodson.

Woodson, who has lobbied to play receiver since Chuck Noll coached the Pittsburgh Steelers, shifted to offense and even caught a pass during Tuesday’s practice. Woodson ran a half-dozen plays at receiver during 7-on-7 drills, then made a nice catch in traffic in a full-squad workout. Woodson lined up at receiver several times during the 1993 season. Woodson had one carry for no yards on a reverse against the Falcons.

Falcons, George in agreement?

The Atlanta Falcons released a statement saying quarterback Jeff George had agreed to a one-year, $3.64 million contract and was expected to report to training camp after missing 2-1/2 weeks of practice and the first exhibition game last weekend.

However, team officials began backtracking before the day was out, saying George had not actually signed the compromise deal.