Chiefs Sign LB Bell

The Chiefs made their first move of the NFL free agent signing period by inking free agent linebacker Kendrell Bell to a seven-year contract Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bell, who played all four of his previous seasons in Pittsburgh, was limited to just three games in 2004 with a groin injury. He was named the 2001 defensive rookie of the year, when he made 83 tackles and had nine sacks. An ankle injury cost Bell the final four games of the 2002 season, then bounced back with 99 tackles in 2003. The deal couldn’t have come at a better time for the Chiefs who are desperately trying to upgrade their defense. Cornerback Fred Smoot, who was scheduled to visit with the Chiefs, has signed with the Vikings. Last week they met with free agent defensive backs Samari Rolle and Dwight Smith, only to see them sign with the Ravens and Saints.Kansas City also courted linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, but he re-signed with the Eagles. In 2004, the Chiefs ranked 31st out of 32 NFL teams in total defense, while they ranked number one in total offense. In 2003 the defense was ranked 29th and they were dead last in 2002.