Fansided

Kansas City Chiefs free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By Brad Weiss

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 29-28 at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 29-28 at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eric Berry

S, Kansas City Chiefs

This is a no-brainer here, as Eric Berry has been the heart and soul of this team for some time now. Berry played last season under the franchise tag, but there is no way he is about to do that again. The Pro Bowl safety wants a long-term commitment from the Chiefs, and there is a serious chance that his playing days with the team may be over.

While there is a chance that is the case, the truth of the matter is that the Chiefs have to make this deal happen. The Chiefs have an incredible thing going right now, and coming off an AFC West title, they have to be thinking they can make it all the way to the Super Bowl next season. Their Divisional Round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home has to be eating them up inside, and Berry, as a leader of this team, must be chomping to get back out there.

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The money has to make sense, and the Chiefs are going to have to clear some cap space to make the deal happen. Do they dare approach him with the franchise tag again? That is unlikely, as Berry has already made it known that he is not going to be on a one-year deal again. He is too valuable to this franchise to let him walk, and even if they have to cut some key players, they are going to get this one done.