Dolphins' Williams gets one-year extension

Ricky Williams is signed up for two more seasons in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins are hoping he plays out his contract this time.

The Dolphins signed Williams, 31, to a one-year contract extension through the 2009-10 season Sunday, putting their faith in the controversial running back even though he has bailed on them in the past.

Williams won the NFL’s rushing title in 2002 before flunking the league’s substance abuse test five times, announcing an early retirement and torpedoing the Dolphins as they dealt with a stretch in which they’ve missed the playoffs a franchise-record six consecutive seasons.

The Dolphins also claimed New Orleans center Andy Alleman, New York Jets tackle Nate Garner and New York Giants receiver Brandon London off waivers and waived receiver Anthony Armstrong, offensive lineman Trey Darilek and linebacker Rob Ninkovich.

Elsewhere in the league:

• John Lynch, the longtime Pro Bowl safety signed by New England two weeks ago, was released. Coach Bill Belichick said of Lynch, who turns 37 on Sept. 25. “As has been the case in other situations, I would not rule anything out down the road.” During their decade-long run of success, the Patriots have regularly signed veterans and often released them, only to sign them again if needed. Belichick’s comments indicate Lynch might be in that category. He has played 15 seasons, 11 in Tampa Bay and four in Denver. The Patriots also cut Chad Jackson, their second-round pick in 2006.

• The Giants shored up their defensive end position by signing former Philadelphia first-round pick Jerome McDougle, who was cut by Philadelphia on Saturday. He played in 33 games in five seasons and had three sacks. He missed all of last season because of a triceps injury.

• Cincinnati  released 11th-year defensive tackle Michael Myers, picked up guard Frank Davis and defensive tackle Orien Harris on waivers and placed center Dan Santucci on injured reserve.

• San Francisco claimed linebacker Ahmad Brooks off waiver from Cincinnati, waiving linebacker Dontarrious Thomas to make room on their 53-man roster. The 49ers signed Thomas early in free agency after he spent four seasons with the Vikings, but he never earned a major role.

• Detroit signed veteran linebacker Ryan Nece and claimed rookie running back Marcus Thomas. The team also signed eight players to the practice squad, including former baseball prospect and Dallas quarterback Drew Henson.