Chiefs reach agreement with Hakim

[JerseySTEEL]

RECEIVER REACHES ORAL AGREEMENT WITH KC

Chiefs appear to be on the road to Az
By ELIZABETH MERRILL
The Kansas City Star

After a quick visit with an old friend, Az-Zahir Hakim decided he wanted to be a Chief.

The speedy receiver, who played for Dick Vermeil?s 1999-2000 Super Bowl champion team in St. Louis, has reached an oral agreement with the Chiefs, a source close to the situation said Friday night. Hakim is expected to be in Kansas City for next weekend?s minicamp.

Hakim had other options ? he took a trip to New Orleans earlier this month ? but the opportunity to play for Vermeil again attracted him to Kansas City, the source said. Hakim caught 31 passes for 533 yards for the Lions last season but was cut when they drafted Mike Williams.

Although he never evolved into the receiver Detroit wanted, he thrived in Vermeil?s offense in his days as a Ram and is expected to make a quick transition with former teammate Trent Green at quarterback.

The Chiefs were bargain-shopping for a receiver to play opposite Eddie Kennison after they cut Johnnie Morton last week. Hakim, who is 5 feet 10 and 185 pounds, is similar in stature to Samie Parker, the expected starter.

When reached earlier Friday, Vermeil said he wanted what was best for Hakim.

?I would love to have him here,? he said, ?but I don?t want to overstate the case to him and talk him into doing something if he has a better deal somewhere else. If (his plans) include the Kansas City Chiefs, I?m excited. I know this young man really well. He?s already done a great job for me.?

Vermeil couldn?t be reached for comment late Friday.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

He hasnt been the same since he was in the greatest show on turf... but who couldnt be productive when you got Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt getting all the double teams.