Fansided

10 best 2016 NFL free agents

By Rucker Haringey

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Eric Berry-Kansas City Chiefs

The safety position hasn’t always been important to the NFL, but times have changed. Now the guys at the back of the defense are expected to be an infallible last line of defense and they’re getting paid like it. The Chiefs will have to pony up some serious cash to hang on to Eric Berry.

When healthy, Berry is the ideal safety in any NFL scheme. He’s capable of covering wide receivers and tight ends and can fully support the front seven when combating the run. If you were able to dream up the perfect safety it’s a pretty good bet that you’d come up with a player that looks a lot like Berry.

The questions about Berry are all, sadly, health-related. He’s beaten cancer for the time being in an awe-inspiring story, but I wonder if the worry of relapse will scare some NFL teams away from pursuing the former Tennessee Volunteer. That’s a grim thought, but is the reality in the business of today’s NFL.

The best bet here is for the Chiefs and Berry to come to a quick compromise on a multi-year contract. He’s got a special bond with their fan base and no medical staff will be any more comfortable with Berry than the one who’s watched over him for his entire career. He’ll get paid but I won’t be surprised to see him take a hometown discount to stay with Kansas City.

Next: Corey Glenn

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