The Eric Berry contract situation a curious case study of John Dorsey
Fans want Eric Berry back in KC, and while I’ve not spoke to either Berry or Dorsey, one assumes they both want Berry back in KC. So the contract for Berry is a curious one. Berry is looking to be the highest-paid safety in football, which his stats simply don’t back-up. (He’s good, he’s not Earl Thomas good. Neither a knock or insult to Berry).
Dorsey is widely known as a tough but fair negotiator. Rarely will he budge past what he and the organization believe a players is worth. (The exception being the obvious albatross of a contract he handed out to Tamba Hali).
How set either side is on their demand and/or value will go along way in getting a deal in play by next week. I certainly will not predict anything, though one would have to think a deal gets done, because in the end, they generally do.
However, fans should not be shocked if a deal isn’t reached. The Chiefs have significant salary cap issues the next two seasons, and simply may be willing to let Berry walk if he doesn’t agree to their number. Not saying that’s what is happening or will happen, but it’s a possibility.
Don’t let your kids play football
Rather curious for a column, but the point remains. NFL players are the lowest paid of what we’ll describe as the major three sports (MLB, NFL, NBA) and also have the lowest guaranteed money. Andrew Luck received $87 million in guaranteed dollars with the Colts, while Giancarlo Standon with the Miami Marlins gets $325 million, and Alex Gordon receives $72 million guaranteed.
Basketball numbers are so outrageous I can’t even fathom typing them down. Football players careers are shorter and get paid less. Simply put, if your kid is tall, give them a basketball, if they are not, teach them to throw left handed.