Chiefs sign linebacker Bell to 7-year deal
Linebacker Kendrell Bell, the defensive rookie of the year four years ago, signed a seven-year contract with the defensively troubled Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.
Bell, 6-foot-1, 257 pounds, was one of the last big-name free agents on the market even though he played just three games last season with Pittsburgh. His best season came as a rookie in 2001, when he made the Pro Bowl after recording 88 tackles, nine sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.
In Bell’s only other full season, 2003, he was a Pro Bowl alternate after recording 108 tackles and five sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.
“We’re pleased to acquire Kendrell’s services and we think he will make an impact for the Chiefs in 2005 and beyond,” team president Carl Peterson said. “He’s a quality football player, as well as a quality person.”
Romanowski takes stand
Retired Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski nearly came to tears on the witness stand in Oakland, Calif., as he explained the difficulty of being a family man and somebody who plays a “violent, violent game.”
Romanowski, who played 16 years in the NFL, is the defendant in a civil trial on an accusation he punched former Washington State Cougars tight end Marcus Williams during practice, ending the 27-year-old’s short-lived NFL career and causing brain damage when his eye socket was crushed.
Williams is seeking millions of dollars in damages from Romanowski, saying the Aug. 24, 2003, blow was out-of-bounds behavior even in the gladiator-like sport of football.
Romanowski, 38, told jurors he did punch Williams in the face, but did not remember much more about the fight.
“There was a fight that broke out,” he said. “My reaction was a reaction from being pushed in the back.”
Vikings sign Smoot
Fred Smoot agreed to terms on a contract with the Minnesota Vikings, sending the top cornerback on the free agent market to a team that has had persistent defensive problems.
Smoot had 16 interceptions over five seasons with the Washington Redskins and was selected as an alternate to the Pro Bowl last year.
Giants get new kicker
Former Atlanta placekicker Jay Feely signed a two-year contract with the New York Giants.
“What we were really interested in was having a solid young kicker who we felt could solve the problems of kickoff and field goal accuracy and grow,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “The better part of his career, I think, is going to start right now. We’d studied the young man, and we feel there are things we can do to help him in his game.”
Feely hit 18 of 23 field goal attempts last season with the Falcons.
Around the league
The Cleveland Browns agreed to terms on a two-year contract with former Tampa Bay guard Cosey Coleman. … Wide receiver Joey Galloway re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Terms were not released. … The Jacksonville Jaguars signed former New York Giants cornerback Terry Cousin and re-signed third-string quarterback Quinn Gray. … The Atlanta Falcons signed former New York Jets punter Toby Gowin and released Chris Mohr, who punted for them the past four seasons. … The New England Patriots re-signed guard Stephen Neal. … The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Cedrick Wilson to a four-year, $8 million contract. … Safety Robert Griffith agreed to a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.