With the deadline passing and no long-term deal for Eric Berry, the Kansas City Chiefs GM John Dorsey released a statement indicating the Chiefs still want to keep Berry for the long-term.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a long-term agreement with Eric’s representatives before today’s deadline. Although both sides would have preferred a different outcome, Eric is a true professional and a tremendous football player, and we know that he will continue to be a leader in our locker room. We look forward to resuming our discussions on a long-term agreement when the negotiating window reopens after the season.”
The main thing to remember for right now is that the Chiefs control Berry’s rights for the 2016 season so he’s more than likely going to be here this season. He just hasn’t signed his franchise tender yet but I would be stunned if he missed any games over this.
They can start talking again after the season. Free agency would then open sometime in early March so I suspect that will become the new deadline for the two sides. It could also be the deadline to apply the franchise tag again next year, which would cost the Chiefs almost $13 million. But the Chiefs also have Dontari Poe hitting free agency so there’s a lot to consider here.
I still think the most likely outcome here is a long-term deal for Berry next season. Despite all the talk after this negotiation failed, the Chiefs still want him and Berry still wants to be here. These things usually end up working out.