Harrison Smith’s contract impacts Eric Berry negotiations

Look for Eric Berry to get a deal near what Harrison Smith got on Monday.

The Minnesota Vikings signed Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith to a five-year, $51.25 million extension with $28.5 million guaranteed on Monday, making him the highest-paid player at his position.

I hope Smith enjoys the feeling, because that distinction isn’t going to last long.

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently in a negotiation with Eric Berry representation for a new contract, with Berry sitting on a one-year, $10.8 million franchise tag. Berry is going to get a long-term deal either on or before the July 15 deadline, and it is going to be very close to Smith’s number.

As always, deals are built to be exceeded. Berry is now going to ask for more than Smith got, because while Smith is a terrific player, he’s not a four-time Pro Bowler and a man coming off a First-Team All-Pro campaign.

My best guess is Berry also gets five years but somewhere in the $52-55 million range with approximately $30 million guaranteed. He’s going to be paid because he deserves to get paid.

Think of it this way. Let’s say the Chiefs sign Berry for five more years and he makes three more Pro Bowls and two more All-Pro teams. At the age of 32, you are talking about a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. That’s Hall of Fame stuff.