AP

The Jets signed free-agent running back Jesse Chatman to a one-year deal Sunday.

Chatman, out of football in 2006, ran for a career-high 515 yards and a touchdown for Miami last season and caught 27 passes for 161 yards.

“Jesse chose New York because he has a past relationship with a couple of the coaches and feels that it’s a great opportunity,” agent Brett Tessler said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. The signing, first reported by the Palm Beach Post, gives the Jets depth at running back with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington already on the team. Chatman, 28, worked with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer when the two were with the San Diego Chargers a few years ago.

Chatman became the Dolphins’ starting running back after Ronnie Brown was sidelined for the season by a knee injury in Week 7. His best game came in a 13-10 loss to Buffalo in Week 10, when he ran for a career-high 124 yards on 27 carries.