Free agency rumors link Eric Berry with Indianapolis Colts

Eric Berry might have more in the tank after plenty of time away from the NFL, and rumors say the Colts could give him a chance.

The long-awaited return of Eric Berry to the NFL could finally be happening after the former star safety for the Kansas City Chiefs sat out the entire 2019 season. Free agency rumors swirling at the NFL Combine have linked the Indianapolis Colts and Berry, with Jim Trotter reporting that some level of talks have already taken place.

The potential of adding Berry to the Colts secondary would instantly become one of the offseason’s most interesting signings with a spectrum of potential ranging from complete bust to shrewd acquisition.

When healthy, Berry was without peer as an NFL safety, an annual All-Pro who was a one-man wrecking crew. He had incredible vision and instincts. He was tough yet athletic. He was confident and capable of taking on any defensive task given to him. He was also an exceptional leader in the heart of the defense, as intelligent as any opposing quarterback making adjustments at the line of scrimmage.

Unfortunately for Berry, injuries and illness took their toll on a career that would have otherwise been a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Perhaps Berry will still be inducted into Canton one day, but it’s hard to ignore “what if” questions after multiple seasons were lost in the last decade. From a torn ACL to a cancer diagnosis to an Achilles tear and ensuing foot/heel injury that refused to go away, Berry’s career was always plagued by health concerns.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach released Berry in an effort to completely remake the secondary and invested instead in Tyrann Mathieu in free agency and Juan Thornhill in the draft. The moves worked as the Chiefs lifted the Lombardi Trophy just one month ago.

From there, Berry sat out the entire year instead of trying to come back into a questionable situation. It was termed an “intentional sabbatical.” The goal was to return in 2020 at full strength, and now it looks as if the Colts are going to give him a chance to make that happen.