Kansas City, Mo. ? Linebacker Kendrell Bell, the defensive rookie of the year four years ago, signed a seven-year contract with the defensively troubled Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.

Bell, 6-foot-1, 257 pounds, was one of the last big-name free agents on the market even though he 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.

Pittsburgh's Kendrell Bell (97) stops Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook in this 2004 file photo. Bell, the defensive rookie of the year in 2001, signed a seven-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.

Bell was troubled because of shoulder and groin injuries last week, and the New York Giants passed on him as a free agent after a physical, although they did not specify the exact problem.

“I had a conversation with (the Giants’) general manager, and he said he did not fail their physical,” team president Carl Peterson said.

Peterson also said Kansas City conducted an “extensive physical” on Bell.

“He’s healthy enough that I feel good about it,” Peterson said.

Bell could play inside or outside linebacker.

“I’m doing good. I’m great,” Bell said. “I can play today. I can play right now.”

In Bell’s only other full season, 2003, he was a Pro Bowl alternate after recording 108 tackles and five sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.

“We’re pleased to acquire Kendrell’s services, and we think he will make an impact for the Chiefs in 2005 and beyond,” Peterson said. “He’s a quality football player, as well as a quality person.”

The Chiefs have finished near the bottom of the league in most key defensive categories each of the past three seasons.

At the same time, their offense, led by such Pro Bowl standouts as running back Priest Holmes and tight end Tony Gonzalez, has been among the NFL’s best. But Kansas City believes it may not be able to receive much more than one more season before age begins to wear down key offensive players.