Chiefs rumors: Eric Berry close to 6-year, $78 million deal
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to make Eric Berry the richest defensive back in NFL history, if Jason La Canfora’s report is correct.
The Kansas City Chiefs are prepared to make Eric Berry the highest paid defensive back in NFL history with a deal worth a reported $78 million.
Would be stunned if Chiefs don't have Eric Berry locked up by franchise deadline. Sides very close on a 6yr deal worth massive $13M/year
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 28, 2017
The Chiefs and Berry’s representatives have been negotiating a new deal for more than a year. Unable to find common ground on a deal last offseason, Eric Berry was forced to play under the franchise tag. This year, Berry stated he would not do so again, which put general manager John Dorsey in an awkward position and put the pressure on the Chiefs to get a deal finished.
The Chiefs were reportedly ready to tag Berry again anyway, which would still give both sides plenty of time to find a new deal, but apparently things are close enough where an announcement could be made any time.
Berry had 77 tackles, 9 passes defended and 4 interceptions last year for the Chiefs, and he was recently given the Derrick Thomas Award as Team MVP at the 47th annual 101 Awards on Sunday. It was the second year in a row that Berry won the award.