KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 11, 2005) -- The Kansas City Chiefs took another step to shore up their leaky defense, signing Miami safety Sammy Knight to a five-year contract.
Knight was a Pro Bowl selection in 2001 with the New Orleans Saints and a starter for the Dolphins the past two seasons. The Chiefs signed linebacker Kendrell Bell to a seven-year contract.
"We went into free agency wanting to acquire a linebacker, safety and a corner," team president Carl Peterson said in a statement. "We have two of those positions right now."
The 6-foot, 215-pound Knight has 35 interceptions, with four returned for touchdowns, and nine forced fumbles since signing with the Saints in 1997. He has played in 126 games, including a streak of 108 straight.
His 35 interceptions are the second-highest total in the league over the past eight seasons.
Knight has played both strong and free safety and has six consecutive seasons with more than 100 tackles, including 127 for the Dolphins last season.
The Chiefs have finished near the bottom of the league in most key defensive categories in each of the past three seasons. While going 7-9 last season, Kansas City finished 32nd in pass defense and 31st overall.
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