Edwards, Chiefs Reportedly Reach a Deal

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to introduce Herman Edwards as their new coach at a news conference today, the Kansas City Star reported Sunday.

Edwards and the Chiefs had agreed in principle on a four-year contract worth $12 million, according to ESPN.com.

Edwards, 51, will receive a raise from the $2 million a year that he was making as the New York Jets’ coach, the website reported. The Chiefs received permission Friday to talk with Edwards after the NFL office gave the OK for the Chiefs to compensate the Jets with a fourth-round choice in the 2006 draft.

Edwards will replace Dick Vermeil, who retired after leading the Chiefs to a 10-6 record. They were the only 10-win team not to make the playoffs.

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Mike Alstott walked out of the home locker room at Raymond James Stadium, not knowing whether he’ll return as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The six-time Pro Bowl fullback has three years left on his contract, but Saturday’s 17-10 playoff loss to Washington may well have been his last game for the Buccaneers.

“It’s a decision that’s on me,” said Alstott, who restructured his contract before this season and is scheduled to earn $2 million in 2006. “I’ll talk to my family, my wife and everybody else.”

The 10-year pro turned 32 last month, and his role has diminished in recent seasons because of injuries and Coach Jon Gruden’s preference to use him as a more traditional fullback who blocks and carries the ball mostly in short-yardage situations.

The team’s all-time touchdown leader (68) and second-leading all-time rusher (4,917 yards) gained 80 yards in 34 attempts and scored six of his seven touchdowns on the ground this season -- solid numbers considering the emergence of rookie Carnell “Cadillac” Williams as a featured back capable of handling a heavy workload.

Alstott sat out most of 2003 because of a career-threatening neck injury and returned in 2004 to rush for 230 yards and two touchdowns, and catch 29 passes for 202 yards. He had four carries for 15 yards and gained seven yards on his only reception during the loss to the Redskins.

“I’ve had the best time this year. Going through two frustrating seasons, first in 2003, with the neck and then last year trying to regroup and get to my normal self,” Alstott said. “I felt I played well this year and did some good things. It was back to the old style again.... We’ll discuss it between me and my family and figure out what is best.”

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Redskin defensive end Renaldo Wynn had surgery after breaking two bones in his right forearm and will sit out the rest of the playoffs.

His arm was bulging from the fracture as he was carted off the field during the first quarter of Saturday’s 17-10 playoff victory at Tampa Bay. He had landed awkwardly while rushing the passer.

The Redskins hope cornerback Shawn Springs (groin) will return for Saturday’s game at Seattle, trainer Bubba Tyer said.