NFL

Redskins lose Smoot to Vikings

By wire services
Published March 9, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS - Fred Smoot agreed to terms on a six-year contract Tuesday with the Minnesota Vikings, sending the top cornerback left on the free agent market to a team that has had persistent defensive problems in recent seasons.

Smoot had 16 interceptions over four years with the Redskins and was selected as an alternate to the Pro Bowl last season. His deal is worth $34-million, including a $10.8-million signing bonus, according to ESPN.com and FoxSports.com.

Smoot forms a quality tandem at cornerback with Antoine Winfield, Minnesota's top free agent signee last season. Brian Williams will become the nickel back.

Coach Mike Tice praised owner Red McCombs for taking advantage of the team's ample space - more than $30-million at week's beginning - under the salary cap.

BROWNS: Former Bucs quarterback Trent Dilfer, acquired in a weekend trade from the Seattle Seahawks, signed a four-year contract with Cleveland.

CARDINALS: Quarterback Kurt Warner signed a one-year, $4-million contract with Arizona. The team also signed former Cleveland safety Robert Griffith to a two-year contract.

CHIEFS: Linebacker Kendrell Bell, the defensive rookie of the year four years ago, signed a seven-year contract with Kansas City. Bell 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 his first season.

GIANTS: Former Atlanta placekicker Jay Feely became the third free agent to join the Giants this offseason, signing a two-year contract. Feely hit 18-of-23 field goal attempts last season with the Falcons, the longest from 47 yards. He was perfect on 40 extra points.

[Last modified March 9, 2005, 00:55:19]