The 5 biggest decisions facing Chiefs GM John Dorsey
By Matt Conner
Decision #2: Eric Berry
We have already held The Great Eric Berry Debate here at Arrowhead Addict, which covers most of the questions surrounding Berry in detail in a roundtable discussion format. Still, the question of Eric Berry’s long-term contract is a major decision facing Dorsey and we can’t ignore it.
It’s amazing that John Dorsey and Eric Berry’s representatives couldn’t reach a long-term deal last year or that one hasn’t already been announced this season. The negotations have been taking place for so long that there really can’t be any mystery as to what each side will or will not do. Berry has already drawn a public line in the sand saying he will refuse to play under the franchise tag again, demanding a long-term deal that will keep him in Kansas City for the next few years. Dorsey and Reid have praised Berry’s play and leadership so it’s clear they want that as well.
The fans will also make demands of their own. Having watched Eric Berry come in as the No. 5 overall selection, he’s performed like the NFL’s highest paid safety should perform. He’s a Pro Bowl player, perhaps even a future Hall of Fame player, for whom offenses must adjust their game plans.
Detractors, however, will point to Berry’s injury history and ask some important questions: do you pay a man for what he’s done or what he will do? In Berry’s case, he’s already missed the bulk of one season due to an ACL injury and a complete season fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Is he an injury risk? Will the cancer return? The team has already stuck by him through one trying time so should they continue to do so indefinitely with another long-term deal or take it year by year?
The reality is that Berry has not only battled such incredible foes but come out the other side as an elite player once again. His story is an inspiring one and fans have grown to love Berry. Saying goodbye to Berry would mean losing a franchise icon. Is that something Dorsey is really willing to do?