Eric Berry, Chiefs reportedly not close on deal
The Kansas City Chiefs and safety Eric Berry reportedly need a Hail Mary to reach an agreement.
While most of the spring and summer has been quiet around Eric Berry and his negotiations with the Kansas City Chiefs, things are suddenly getting loud.
According to Rand Getlin of NFL.com, it would take major movement for the team and player to come to terms on a multi-year deal.
Absent a significant shift in the next two days, I’m told the #Chiefs and Eric Berry are unlikely to come to terms on a long-term deal.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) July 13, 2016
Immediately after Ratlin’s report, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports expressed similar doubts despite having pegged the chances of Berry signing at 50/50 only days ago.
At this point would take some major movement for the Chiefs and Eric Berry to strike a long term deal by the deadline Fri
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 13, 2016
Here’s my best guess: Joel Segal, Berry’s agent, is getting annoyed with general manager John Dorsey and wants him to sweeten the pot. Segal then leaked this train of thought to the media, creating this pressure on Dorsey to make a move and get the deal done.
Ultimately, both sides would be risking a ton by having Berry play on the franchise tag this season. Berry would get $10.8 million but has no guaranteed money beyond this year, and an injury would be catastrophic.
For the Chiefs, they would be allowing for the possibility of Berry hitting the free-agent market after this season, right in the middle of their Super Bowl window. It would absolutely no sense.