Ashley Lelie is getting his second fresh start in 6 1/2 months, and the talented receiver believes he has finally found a home with the San Francisco 49ers.

The former University of Hawai'i star signed a two-year contract with San Francisco yesterday, the fourth prominent free agent to join the 49ers during a four-day spending spree that included re-signing several of their own free agents.

The 49ers reached a tentative agreement during the weekend with Lelie, a fleet deep threat who had a disappointing season with Atlanta in 2006, catching just 28 passes for 430 yards after being traded by the Broncos late in training camp.

But San Francisco is again in need of a top receiver after cutting troubled Antonio Bryant on Thursday. Coach Mike Nolan believes Lelie can return to the form he showed during four seasons in Denver, when he had 3,003 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns while twice leading the NFL in yards per catch.

Lelie said he chose the 49ers over Houston and other suitors because of "the opportunity to start and be a player in this league."

"This team gave me the best chance to go after that," Lelie said. "It's definitely a great organization. I get to try to fill the shoes of one of my favorite players of all time, Jerry Rice."

San Francisco also re-signed fullback Moran Norris and offensive lineman Tony Wragge yesterday.

The 49ers released Bryant after one tumultuous season with San Francisco that began with a hefty signing bonus and ended with Bryant on a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Lelie joins receivers Arnaz Battle and Bryan Gilmore and tight end Vernon Davis to augment an unimpressive group of targets for quarterback Alex Smith.

The 49ers will attempt to add another receiver through free agency or the draft. Although Lelie intends to be San Francisco's No. 1 receiver, he has no problem with other pass-catchers coming to town.

"It's a chance to be the No. 1 receiver, a chance to compete for that spot," Lelie said. "I didn't think I had a fair chance at the other two places I was at, and the 49ers are giving me that opportunity. ... I wouldn't be upset at all. I welcome the opportunity to compete."

Lelie doesn't have Bryant's history of run-ins with coaches and the law, but has endured his share of controversy.

He skipped the Broncos' offseason workout program in 2006 and demanded to leave town because he felt Denver wasn't making use of his skills. Denver traded him to the Falcons in a three-way deal, but Lelie and the Broncos went to an arbitrator to resolve a financial dispute over his departure.

Though Lelie still is bitter about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Denver, he also blames himself for inconsistent play. He also never felt comfortable in Atlanta after arriving in an August trade when Michael Vick already had formed a bond with the Falcons' other receivers.

"In the past in my career, I didn't really play well consistently," Lelie said. "That was probably just a lack of being in the right offense and getting thrown the ball consistently. I think 49ers fans will see the best of me."

Lelie is the third former University of Hawai'i player on the 49ers' roster, joining linebacker Jeff Ulbrich and defensive lineman Isa'ako Sopoaga.

TRADE

SOURCE: BEARS DEAL RB JONES TO JETS FOR PICK

The Chicago Bears reached a preliminary agreement to trade running back Thomas Jones to the New York Jets yesterday for a second-round draft pick.

A person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press the Jets will give up a second-round draft pick, 37th overall, for Jones, who rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns in helping the Bears make the Super Bowl. The person did not wish to be identified because the trade has not been officially announced.

The 28-year-old Jones must pass a physical and agree to a contract extension before the deal is complete. The Jets also would receive Chicago's second-round choice, No. 63 overall, in the trade. New York would surrender the second-rounder it received from Washington in a previous deal.

BRONCOS

RUNNING BACK HENRY GETS $12M GUARANTEED

Denver and running back Travis Henry have reached an agreement on a five-year deal yesterday with $12 million in guaranteed bonuses.

Henry was released by the Tennessee Titans on Saturday after the two sides couldn't restructure a contract that contained an $8.3 million bonus that was due yesterday. He rushed for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns last season for Tennessee.

The Broncos did not announce the signing of Henry, which was disclosed by a person familiar with the deal who requested anonymity because it had not yet been signed.

COWBOYS

QUARTERBACK JOHNSON SIGNS THREE-YEAR DEAL

Brad Johnson signed a contract yesterday with Dallas, which wants a veteran quarterback to team up with Tony Romo.

Johnson's agent, Phil Williams, said the quarterback got a three-year contract. Williams wouldn't discuss financial details of the deal.

Cowboys officials didn't respond to messages Monday night, and the team had not announced the deal. On their Web site, the Cowboys reported they were "close to adding" Johnson to the roster.

The 38-year-old Johnson became an unrestricted free agent last week when the Minnesota Vikings, in a long-expected move, released the 15-year veteran. Johnson won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2003.

ELSEWHERE

Seahawks: Seattle agreed to a six-year deal with defensive end Patrick Kerney last night. Kerney's agent, Richard Rosa, said Kerney agreed to a deal worth $39.5 million, including $19.5 million in guaranteed money. Kerney spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons, but was limited by injury to just nine games last season.

Patriots: New England acquired wide receiver and kick returner Wes Welker from Miami yesterday in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick. Welker, a restricted free agent, was the Dolphins' leading receiver in 2006 with 67 catches for 687 yards and a touchdown. He did it despite starting only two games.

Titans: Veteran quarterback Kerry Collins, who began last season as Tennessee's starter, re-signed with the team yesterday as the backup to Vince Young.

Lions: Detroit re-signed defensive end Corey Smith to a one-year contract yesterday. Smith, who was an unrestricted free agent, had 10 tackles and two sacks in Detroit last season.

Colts: Indianapolis re-signed veteran linebacker Rob Morris yesterday. Morris, who had been an unrestricted free agent, had 48 tackles during the 2006 regular season.

Buccaneers: Free-agent defensive end Kevin Carter signed with Tampa Bay yesterday. Carter is fourth among active players with 97.5 career sacks and has not missed a game in 12 seasons with the Titans, Rams and Dolphins, who released him last week after he was unable to reach an agreement on a restructured contract.