Future of the Chiefs: Eric Berry or Dontari Poe

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Eric Berry

Eric Berry has been one of the most dominant safeties in the league. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Pros:

Quality of Player: Eric Berry is one of the best football players in the NFL. The man just made All Pro despite starting the season less than a full year from being diagnosed with cancer. Normal people do not make that kind of recovery. It speaks to his physical ability and his mental focus. And with a full year of working out under his belt, there is no reason to think that he won’t be even stronger and faster this year.

Importance of Position: There’s a narrative going around that the safety position isn’t that important. That really couldn’t be any further from the truth. In today’s pass rush dominant league, safeties are more important than ever. The days of “just don’t let anyone behind you” are gone. In today’s NFL (and especially in Bob Sutton’s defense) players in the safety position are expected to take on the role of linebacker or cornerback, depending on the situation. They have to be able to cover one on one, or slip blocks and attack the ball carrier. In reality, building around a quality versatile safety isn’t a bad idea.

Leadership

: Even before his epic comeback from cancer, Eric Berry was noted for his leadership. On and off the field he sets the example for the rest of the team. While the Chiefs certainly have a strong locker room, the value of Eric Berry’s leadership should not be understated. That is especially true in what looks to be a very young defensive backfield for the next couple of years.

Berry has come up with his share of big plays in big games. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Cons:

Value: Any time you are signing a player to a big time contract, you are doing so with the understanding that the same amount of money could probably be used to sign two, or even three, other decent players to the roster. Is Berry worth that? I think so, but I know others disagree. Ultimately, that’s what the Chiefs have to decide.
Chiefs Cap Space: The Chiefs are tight against the cap. It’s not unexpected. After re-signing all the players that John Dorsey did, it’s kind of ridiculous to expect the Chiefs to be flush with cap space. It costs money to keep a team loaded with talent together. Re-signing Berry will push that even further, making it more difficult for the team to add players in the future if needed.
Health: Look, cancer is a big deal. And there is no guarantee that it’s gone forever, so this has to be a consideration for the Chiefs in their decision making. That said, the perception of cutting a guy because of cancer may be even more detrimental to the team. It certainly wouldn’t build any goodwill among the rest of the players on the team.

Next: The Brass Tacks On Berry

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