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KC gets their LB


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Bell will get $10 in guarantees

ESPN.com news services

Kendrell Bell was having trouble convincing teams he can stay healthy. The Chiefs were having difficulty convincing fans they were getting better on defense after losing out on Samari Rolle and other defensive players.

Kendrell Bell

Linebacker

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Profile

 

2004 SEASON STATISTICS

Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int

8 6 2 0 0 0

That made Bell and the Chiefs a perfect fit. Bell reached a contract agreement for more than $5 million a year that included $10 million in guarantees. The deal, which is being finalized Tuesday, will be seven years in length.

The former Steelers inside linebacker missed four games in 2002 and almost the entire 2004 season because of injuries. Most teams wanted to do a provisional deal that would pay him well for one year but give them the option to let him go after the season.

The Chiefs decided on a conventional deal that includes a signing bonus and future guarantees. Bell had visited the Giants to open free agency and hoped to get a $13 million signing bonus and $6 million a year.

But the Giants had questions about his sports hernia surgery and durability, opting to sign Redskins middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. The Chiefs had been juggling their emphasis at linebacker between Bell and Ed Hartwell of the Ravens, ending up with Bell.

Bell is a 6-foot-1, 254-pound linebacker who had nine sacks as a rookie and made the Pro Bowl in 2001. The Sporting News named him Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2001.

"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."

Information from ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

KC finally upgrades that terrible defense

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WOW. KC just got screwed. He couldn't even pass the Giants Physical

When healthy, Bell can play with the best of them, and even be a top 10 ILB. He just can't stay healthy enough to suit up for at least 8-10 games and that's his #1 problem.

I met the guy in a Las Vegas airport. I looked over and I knew it was him so I introduced myself. One big mofo and it still is surprising the guy just can't stay healthy. I wish him well but I think KC might of made a mistake with giving him that much cheese, but when you are desparate for defense, you are going to take a flyer on a guy like Bell.

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I'm gutted about this. When I heard Bell failed a physical in NY I thought he'd lower his contract demands and there could have been a good chance of us resigning him. That's out of the window. KC took a chance and bravo to them just as the Eagles did with Kearse.

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