Eric Berry praised by rivals for intelligence, athleticism

Eric Berry might have signed for a record amount of money for a safety but Albert Breer says the Chiefs star is worth every penny.

The Kansas City Chiefs made Eric Berry the richest safety in NFL history earlier this week with a six-year deal worth $78 million. It is the largest contract ever given to a safety, topping the $12.5 million average given to Tyrann Mathieu by the Arizona Cardinals last August.

While the contract itself is a steep amount, Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback has been talking to people around the NFL who still believe Berry is worth that price — even at a $13 million average.

"“He’s the quarterback of that defense,” said one rival offensive coach. “He sets the tone. It’s difficult to set him up because he’s so sound and intelligent. Hard to find a guy that has the range, plays the ball as well, and is as good a tackler as he is, he’s a blend of all the things you want a safety to be. … He’s as smart as some quarterbacks in how he plays the position. He has the head to bait quarterbacks and the athletic ability to make you pay. It’s hard to trust anything you see all the time [from him] because of that.”"

The Chiefs were already strapped for cash and held the immediate leverage over Berry in the form of a franchise tag, but they still paid handsomely for him, which means John Dorsey feels the same way. Berry’s peers also agree, having recently voted him as the Chiefs’ MVP last Sunday night at the 47th annual 101 Awards.

Berry had another Pro Bowl season in 2016 with 4 interceptions, including two that went for touchdowns, to go with this 77 total tackles.