Chiefs in negotiations with Jets for Edwards

Herman Edwards is close to becoming the next Chiefs coach.

Kansas City and the Jets discussed a compensation package for Edwards on Wednesday, a person close to the situation said. Another person familiar with the negotiations said the talks were almost completed.

Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.

The Chiefs, rumored to be interested in Edwards for the last two months, would have to give up draft picks to hire Edwards because he is still under contract with the Jets. Edwards has ties to the Kansas City organization and general manager Carl Peterson, and would replace retired coach Dick Vermeil.

The NFL must approve the deal before it can be official, and nothing was submitted to the league office Wednesday, both sources said.

Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway previously had scheduled a season-ending news conference for today.

Rams sign six

The St. Louis Rams on Wednesday signed six players who ended the season on their practice squad, including wide receivers Dominique Thompson, Jeremy Carter and Brandon Middleton.

The team also signed tight end Darius Williams, running back Derrick Knight and safety Terry Holly from the practice squad. The Rams agreed to terms with four others: wide receiver Taylor Stubblefield, offensive tackle Jason Hilliard, tight end Rod Trafford and running back Fred Russell.

Stubblefield, the NCAA career reception leader with 316 for Purdue, was with the Carolina Panthers in the preseason. Hilliard was with the New York Giants in the preseason after appearing in two games for them in 2004. Trafford spent the preseason with the Buffalo Bills and appeared in four games with them in 2004. Russell was with the Chicago Bears in the prseason after spending most of the 2004 season on the team's practice season.

Bills fire president

Tom Donahoe was fired as Buffalo Bills president and general manager Wednesday in a shakeup that could mark Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy's return to the franchise in a management role.

Offensive coordinator Tom Clements was also fired, his agent, Gary O'Hagan said.

Top rookies honored

Shawne Merriman's relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The San Diego linebacker received 28 1/2 votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league.

He easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16 1/2.

Tampa Bay running back Carnell Williams won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Williams, who rushed for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Bucs to an 11-5 record, drew 47 votes.

His running mate at Auburn, Ronnie Brown of the Dolphins, received one vote, as did tight end Heath Miller of Pittsburgh and offensive lineman Logan Mankins of New England.

Redskins assistant signs

Washington Redskins assistant Gregg Williams signed a three-year contract Tuesday to remain with the team, a move that solidifies his status as the heir apparent to coach Joe Gibbs.

Williams had been considered a top prospect for several vacant NFL head coaching positions, including the St. Louis Rams.

-- The Associated Press