The Kansas City Chiefs cleared the way for Herman Edwards to become their new coach, agreeing Friday to a compensation deal with the New York Jets. The Chiefs would give the Jets a surprisingly low fourth-round pick if they hire Edwards, who has ties to the team and general manager Carl Peterson. Because Edwards was still under contract with the Jets, the Chiefs needed to give up something to get him. Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said that Peterson was headed to New York to begin negotiations. The commissioner's office approved the fourth-round pick as compensation earlier Friday morning and granted Kansas City permission to speak with Edwards, who technically remains the head coach of the Jets. The breakthrough ended several days of speculation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering among Edwards, the Jets and the Chiefs, who are looking to replace the retired Dick Vermeil. Moore said he did not think a deal would be wrapped up right away, but added "that could change." Negotiations are not expected to be lengthy between Peterson and Edwards, who was clearly the Chiefs' first choice all along. Peterson, perhaps only to add to his bargaining leverage with New York, had also talked with Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders and others. The Jets and general manager Terry Bradway are certain to be criticized for getting only a midlevel pick for giving up their coach.