Kansas City Chiefs pro bowl safety Eric Berry played under the franchise tag during the 2016 season. Heading into 2017, Berry and the Chiefs are in a similar predicament in search of a new long-term contract. If Berry has to be franchised again, he has made it clear that he won’t play under the tag in 2017.
“I’m definitely not going to play this year on the franchise tag,” Berry said.
For those who don’t know the franchise tag is essentially a one-year commitment that averages that top 5 salaries at the position as compensation. Last year that number was $10.8 million for safeties. If the Chiefs decide to tag him again, that number will increase because it will be the 2nd consecutive year they used the tag.
If a new extension can be reached, Eric Berry will likely become the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Berry, 28, recorded 4 interceptions in 2016. According to Spotrac.com, the Kansas City Chiefs will have approximately $-4.5 million to work with which could become a huge problem heading into the offseason.
