Eric Berry and beyond: Building a championship roster
By Ryan Tracy
It all starts with the basic premise… “find a way to retain your best players.”
Eric Berry clearly qualifies as one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ very best. His story is amazing and was fully acknowledged with his recent of the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
As Kansas City enters into full off-season mode, Eric Berry has to be Prime Target No. 1 for free agency. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be the first player re-signed, just that he is the most important. The Chiefs defense has relied on the safety group extensively in Bob Sutton’s tenure, using three safeties on the field together. Now that group has only Ron Parker under contract.
With his Pro Bowl, All-Pro 2015 season, Berry is justified in pushing to become the highest-paid player at his position. Expect his contract to ring up in the area of $10.25-$11 million per season and $20 million plus in guarantees. Could he help the Chiefs’ cap situation by agreeing to a contract structure that favors the team? Its possible and it would not be shocking to see that happen.
Chris and I discussed Berry, as well as the upgrades needed beyond Berry, with AA’s own Ben Almquist and Matt Stagner from Arrowhead Pride this week. We also went over the Super Bowl and the Broncos performance (the Meltdown Minute!) Here’s the podcast:
Next: What needs to happen?