The San Francisco 49ers signed free agent quarterback David Carr to a two-year deal yesterday and agreed to terms with Detroit on a trade that would send backup quarterback Shaun Hill to the Lions for a 2011 draft pick.

Carr said he found San Francisco attractive since he is from California and there was a possibility of playing time after serving as Eli Manning's backup for the New York Giants the past two seasons.

49ers coach Mike Singletary has repeatedly said 2005 No. 1 pick Alex Smith is the starter, but didn't rule out signing an experienced quarterback who could push Smith and challenge for playing time.

"They have said that competition is what they love around here," Carr said. "It makes you feel better. One of Singletary's things is, 'Iron sharpens iron.' "

Carr, an eight-year NFL veteran, was drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans in 2002.

Smith took over for Hill at halftime Oct. 25 at Houston and started the rest of the way for San Francisco, which finished 8-8 and ended a franchise-worst stretch of six straight losing seasons.

STADIUM OPENING

GIANTS, JETS WILL HOST ON SAME WEEKEND

Both the Giants and Jets wanted to open next season in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Both will.

The NFL said yesterday the Giants will play on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, and the Jets will host a Monday night game the next day.

Opponents have not been announced; the full league schedule usually is released in early April.

The teams split the cost on the $1.7 billion stadium. They both played at Giants Stadium, which they called home since 1984.

ELSEWHERE

Raiders: Oakland quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and long snapper Jon Condo signed their restricted free agent tenders and reported to the team for the start of voluntary offseason workouts yesterday.

Backup quarterback Charlie Frye also signed his tender.

Gradkowski's deal for 2010 is worth $1.759 million. Condo will make $1.684 million next season.

Bengals: Safety Roy Williams agreed to a one-year deal to stay with Cincinnati.

Williams signed with the Bengals as a free agent from Dallas last year, but suffered a forearm injury in the third game of the season and never fully healed, limiting him to one more game.

Steelers: Linebacker Larry Foote is returning to Pittsburgh, signing a three-year contract after a season with Detroit.

Foote started when Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl during the 2004 and 2008 seasons.

Cardinals: Arizona has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with outside linebacker Paris Lenon.

He played 15 games with the St. Louis Rams last season. He had 44 tackles — 25 solo — and three forced fumbles.