Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen released their weekly notebook with bits of interesting information from sources around the NFL. Most of it had to do with the upcoming conference championship games, but towards the end they delivered a surprising bit of information. Something that could change everything this March when NFL free agency begins.
“The Chiefs have at least two key players to sign before they become free agents in March — safety Eric Berry and defensive tackle Dontari Poe. If they don’t get either signed, one of them figures to get the franchise tag. Sources say don’t be surprised if it’s Poe. It’s something to watch.”
There is no question Eric Berry is one of the best safeties in the NFL. He proved it again in 2016 by reaching his fifth Pro Bowl. To think he just turned 28-years old is remarkable. His playmaking skill and leadership have helped drive the Chiefs to a lot of their recent success. However, the organization is in a major financial bind.
According to overthecap.com, even with the expected increase of the salary cap ceiling in 2017, Kansas City will still only have just over $4.6 million in space available. Odds are good that Berry will (rightfully) demand to be paid as a top five safety in the NFL. If not the highest paid overall. Currently that honor belongs to Tyrann Mathieu of the Arizona Cardinals. He commands an annual salary of just over $12.5 million.
That means the Chiefs would have to clear out $8 million of addition cap space just to have barely enough to sign Berry. This doesn’t account for the other 12 free agents they’ll need to deal with as well. Poe on the other hand is a 3-4 nose tackle. Players at his position command $4.5 million per year at the most. It’s far more economical to franchise tag him. To say nothing of the fact that the upcoming draft class is considered stacked with safeties.
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Jamal Adams = Eric Berry
Malik Hooker = Earl Thomas https://t.co/TDPaCVSDSG
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 18, 2017
It’s one of those difficult business decisions teams must face from time to time. Sacrificing a slightly aging great player in order to preserve the financial stability of the team. If this were to play out, odds are good Berry becomes a free agent.
