Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry is reportedly set to report to work next week to sign his franchise tender and be ready to play in Week 1.
#Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of Eric Berry "He'll be able to get himself back before the first game." I'm told he's arriving early next week
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2016
I'm told all-pro safety Eric Berry will report to the #Chiefs on Sunday. The team gets the heart and soul of their defense back.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) August 26, 2016
This is tremendous news for Kansas City, which is undeniably better on defense with Berry roaming the back end than it is without him.
Set to earn Just over $10.8 million this year on the franchise tag, Berry made his displeasure with the organization known by holding out of training camp following failed long-term negotiations this spring/summer.
At one point, he expressed dismay that the Chiefs hadn’t put forth more effort to secure a long-term contract with him. Then it was learned that the franchise had wanted him to include a disability policy in the contract that would have cost him millions (read more here).
Berry made a tremendous return to action last year less than one year after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He tallied 58 tackles and two interceptions and was voted into the Pro Bowl — an achievement that wowed even his doctor, Christopher Flowers.
One of the top all-around safeties in football, he’ll be highly motivated to better last season’s totals as he strives to earn a big-money deal that gives him financial stability for the long haul.