New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was elusive in explaining why the team released running back Thomas Jones and signed free agent LaDainian Tomlinson despite stats that indicate the decision was counterintuitive.

Tannenbaum spoke with reporters for the first time since the Jets signed Tomlinson to a two-year contract worth slightly more than the two-year deal the Kansas City Chiefs gave Jones.

"Their contracts are different," Tannenbaum said on a conference call. "Their structures are different. They're two different situations. I know it's easy to compare those two, but when we make decisions a lot goes into it."

Tannenbaum declined to provide details about how the relationship ended with Jones and whether the club passed on an opportunity to match the Chiefs' offer.

But Tannenbaum did admit the Jets continued dialogue with agent Drew Rosenhaus after the club terminated Jones' contract. Jones was due a $3 million roster bonus and a $2.8 million base salary.

"Obviously, there's going to be the natural comparison between the two players," Tannenbaum said. "But, for us, we took all the factors into account. Building our roster for the 2010 season, we really felt LaDainian was a good fit for us."

Tannenbaum said the Jets will remain a run-first team. He said the Jets consider Tomlinson capable of being an every-down back if necessary and cited Tomlinson's ability to catch out of the backfield and pass block.

"We feel like we've improved our team," Tannenbaum said. "We feel like Thomas Jones did a great job for us for the last three years, did a lot of things, obviously, on the field as well as off. But when we look at all the factors and what was in the best interests of our team, taking all factors into account, we're really excited about LaDainian.

"We think he still can run the ball effectively in our system with our players. ... We're really excited to add his skill set along with Leon Washington and Shonn Greene."