Eric Berry signs $78m, six-year extension with Kansas City Chiefs
Tuesday 28 February 2017 23:56, UK
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed a $78m, six-year deal with Eric Berry that makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
The Chiefs tried to sign Berry, 28, to an extension last season but never came close to an agreement, ultimately giving him the franchise tag.
Berry responded to the one-year deal worth more than $10m by having one of the best seasons of his seven-year career.
Tyrann Mathieu of the Arizona Cardinals had previously been the NFL's highest-paid safety after signing a $62.5m, five-year deal with $40m guaranteed. Berry is also getting $40m guaranteed.
"I'd like to thank Eric and his agent, Chad Speck, for their professionalism during these negotiations," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said.
"Keeping Eric Berry in a Chiefs uniform long-term has been a significant goal of ours. He's a special football player and an incredible person. We're thrilled we were able to get this deal done."
Berry has been to five to Pro Bowls since being selected with the fifth-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. He has also been named as an All-Pro on three occasions.
In 2016 he started all 16 games and finished second on the team with 77 tackles (62 solo), recorded nine passes defended, one forced fumble and four interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.
His stellar play last season is made all the more remarkable by the fact he was diagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2014.
He battled through the disease and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.
"First I'd like to congratulate John and his staff, along with Chad Speck, for their efforts in this process," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said.
"I'm very happy for Eric and his family. He has put in the hard work and preparation, and is without question one of the backbones of our defence and a team leader. He's a special player and an exceptional human being."
The move to re-sign Berry came on the same day the Chiefs released their all-time leading rusher Jamaal Charles, clearing more than $6m in cap space.
