Why 2016 will be Eric Berry’s last season with the Chiefs

Exhibit B: Dontari Poe’s set for a new deal in 2017

Another budding star has a contract set to expire after the 2016 season — defensive tackle Dontari Poe. The franchise tag for defensive tackle should be right around $12 million in 2017. A multi-year deal could fetch Poe something approaching $100 million. The likelihood of both players being extended is slim.

It’s even less likely the Chiefs will tag one and sign the other. There’s only so much cap space to go around. The salary cap will be higher in 2017, but so too will the cap numbers for Justin Houston, Eric Fisher, Jamaal Charles and Tamba Hali (to name a few). Tough decisions lie ahead for team brass.

Were I a betting man, I’d venture to guess that Dorsey values the defensive tackle position over safety. Using his draft history as a barometer, there’s some indication that the defensive front is more highly-regarded by the Chiefs’ GM.

During his tenure in Green Bay, Dorsey had only five first-round, top-16 picks. Two of them were spent on Justin Harrell (16th overall in 2007) and B.J. Raji (9th overall in 2009). It should also be noted that head coach Andy Reid thrice committed top-16 picks to the defensive tackle spot. The trenches, offensively and defensively, have been a point of focus for Reid and Dorsey throughout their professional careers.

Next: In conclusion...