Chiefs get star cornerback from Dolphins

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs reached a deal with Miami cornerback Patrick Surtain and will send the Dolphins their second-round pick, coach Dick Vermeil told The Associated Press on Friday.

The three-time Pro Bowler could go a long way toward shoring up one of the NFL's worst defenses. A Chiefs spokesman said Surtain was still in Miami at midmorning, but would be in Kansas City later Friday to take his physical.

''He is signed,'' Vermeil told the AP, although the move ultimately was contingent upon Surtain's passing his physical and the deal's being approved by the league office.

Also still to be done was the paperwork involving the trade.

As compensation for the player whose 25 interceptions the past three seasons lead all NFL cornerbacks, the Chiefs gave Miami their second-round pick in Saturday's draft -- something general manager Carl Peterson had been reluctant to do. What apparently clinched the deal was Miami's willingness to switch fifth-round picks, moving Kansas City higher.

''I'm very pleased,'' Vermeil said. ''He's an impact player who can help a defense that needs help. He won't need any grooming or more experience.''

Surtain will play right cornerback opposite Eric Warfield, who has been the only dependable member of a secondary that has been one of the most ineffective in the league the past three years.

The Chiefs' poor defense, near the bottom of the league, has wasted the consistent production of a top-flight offense that sent five players to the Pro Bowl last season.

''We've given up too many big plays,'' Vermeil said.

Acquiring Surtain completes the aggressive plan general manager Carl Peterson had laid out to get a linebacker, safety and cornerback before the draft.

Several weeks ago, Kansas City signed free agent middle linebacker Kendrell Bell and safety Sammy Knight, as well as reserve pass-rush specialist Carlos Hall.

''Carl and his people have done a great job,'' said Vermeil, who has said this will most likely be his last year as a head coach. ''It's very exciting to consider all the possibilities we have now.''