Chiefs can’t find common ground

The deadline has come, and gone, and Eric Berry is without a long term contract from the Chiefs. At this point, the Chiefs are in for the 2016 season with Berry at his franchise number, and he will enter the 2017 offseason as a free agent, joining defensive lineman Dontari Poe as scheduled unrestricted free agents.

As time goes, we will certainly find out more of where each side stood and what the difference in the numbers were. We will explore, ever so briefly, what this all may mean.

First, the Chiefs are unable to negotiate a long term deal with Berry until the completion of the upcoming season. Understand that going forward.

WHAT’S NEXT???

Berry is likely to play the upcoming season on the franchise tag number of 10.8 million,  and will join Dontari Poe as was mentioned above as free agents next season. There is a chance one will return, though at this point, I doubt it. So, a couple thoughts on the issue.

• The Chiefs will still likely be good in 2016, and much of their potential success will be determined in how good Dee Ford is to start the season and when Justin Houston is able to return from his knee surgery.
• I fully expect Berry to play this season in the manner he did last season, and be a leader same as he’s always been.
• I can’t imagine this will affect the locker room, as there are to many professionals on this team who understand this is a business first and foremost.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE???

Don’t be surprised if returning backups Jamell Flemming and Marcus Cooper see a lot of time at safety (they both have indicated they may be moving to safety) as well as rookie Eric Murray, who’s indicated he’s getting work thus far this off season at both corner and safety.

What happens now with Dontari Poe? I’ve mentioned before I believe that the Chiefs approached Poe earlier this off season and during the previous season about an extension, were told what he was looking for, and Dorsey and company went elsewhere with discussions.

As I’ve mentioned before, Poe is likely to receive a deal in the neighborhood of $90-100 million on a six-year contract, obviously roughly $50-60 million in guarantees. As was the issue with Berry, the Chiefs may not be able to bring back Poe. Perhaps the selection of Chris Jones will serve as Poe’s replacement.

Regardless of what happens, keep this in mind. The Chiefs will exist and will take the field no matter what happens with Berry. This will in no way wreck the team or organization. You can’t sign everyone, and perhaps this is simply a case of the Chiefs didn’t have the money when his turn came.

Regardless, the Chiefs will be fine. And Berry will get paid a bunch of money next off season, either by the Chiefs or by another organization. He will be fine as well.