Chiefs could fail to retain key free agents

We all want the best for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016 and beyond but when we face reality we see that generally, the best is more expensive. With the recent figures for the 2016 salary cap being released we can see that the Chiefs figure to have between $22.6 million to work with this offseason. That can disappear very quickly.

So what would happen if the Chiefs were to set their spending limit considerably lower than what their players are asking? We will look at six of the Chiefs’ top players that could hit free agency and try to predict what
the Chiefs would lose and gain if they lost each to other teams.

Eric Berry (Could be signed to offer sheet)

What the Chiefs lose – Berry returned from a cancer battle to turn in an All-Pro season and earn his fourth Pro Bowl selection. His stat line for the regular season included 61 total tackles and two interceptions. While his on-field impact was not as obvious as it has been in other years, Berry managed to lay the wood on running backs and receivers to minimize their yardage. Off the field Berry is a fan favorite with the city’s heart in his hands.

What the Chiefs gain – Berry played his heart out in 2016 but was clearly lost at times in one-on-one coverage. Chiefs’ fans lament over his mis-play of a Rob Gronkowski touchdown in the playoffs just two months ago. He does much better when blitzing to stop the run or floating in deep halves. Because of his bevy of awards in 2015, Berry will command a high price tag and the Chiefs would gain two first-round picks and cap space by letting him walk.

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