As the July 15 deadline looms, there are other big names outside the city of Denver trying to sign a long-term contract.
Eric Berry addressed his contract situation at his youth football camp in Kansas City. The Chiefs safety admitted that he's a bit surprised that negotiations haven't advanced more.
"I thought it would progress a little bit more," Berry said, per The Kansas City Star. "But it's still been pretty much the same since the last time we talked. A lot can change in a week. A lot can change for whenever the deadline is."
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said at the NFL's annual meeting that he was hopeful a long-term deal would get done with Berry, and that was in March.
If Berry and the Chiefs aren't able to get a deal done, don't be surprised if a holdout ensues. The safety is due for a big payday. Berry has been to three more Pro Bowls (four) and has the same number of All-Pro selections (two) than the league's highest-paid safety in Harrison Smith. Smith signed a five-year, $51.25 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings in June.
Berry, who made his return to the field last season after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2014, was key in the Chiefs' resurgence from a 1-5 start to winning 11 straight games. The safety amassed 61 tackles, 10 pass deflections and two interceptions in 2015. His production earned him Pro Bowl, All-Pro and NFL Comeback Player of the Year award honors.
Kansas City has until 4 p.m. ET on July 15 to solidify a long-term contract with Berry, or else he will play the season under the $10.8 million franchise tender.
