Eric Berry Franchise-Tagged by Chiefs: Latest Contract Details and Reaction

Safety Eric Berry successfully recovered from a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in December 2014 and didn't miss a game this past season in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to an 11-5 record. 

That unique blend of inspirational life story and elite level of play won't be traveling to another organization at least for the 2016 season.

The Chiefs announced Berry was designated with the franchise tag, which will net him an estimated $10.6 million in salary this year. ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported the news.

"Our goal is to keep Eric in Kansas City for the foreseeable future,” Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said in the release. “He’s a special player that means a lot to our organization, the city, and has been a critical piece in building our foundation. With today being the deadline to use the franchise tag, we felt it was in the best interest of the club to place the tag on Eric.” 

One could have criticized Kansas City for letting a player of Berry's caliber and character get away in free agency. Instead, the Chiefs made sure their top pick (No. 5 overall) in the 2010 NFL draft didn't escape to a different team.

In addition to Berry, other defensive starters in cornerback Sean Smith, lineman Mike DeVito and veteran linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali are all going to be free agents. Paying everyone isn't going to be possible—but it isn't a surprise Berry was a top priority.

At only 27 years old and already with two first-team All-Pro designations, including in 2015, Berry is a premium player who can do it all as a safety. He has exceptional coverage skills, huge range and isn't shy to deliver a big hit.

The Pro Football Writers of America unsurprisingly named Berry its Comeback Player of the Year after he had 61 combined tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed in a most extraordinary contract year.

The Chiefs organization has to be thrilled to retain such a tremendous leader in Berry—even if a long-term agreement hasn't been reached yet.

Berry's personal story aided the team's efforts to persevere following a 1-5 start to win 10 straight games in 2015. Since Kansas City was able to keep Berry in the fold, it has to feel good about getting other players to stay as well.

Cornerback Marcus Peters showed immense promise as a rookie, tying for the NFL lead with eight interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. Between Peters' strong play and Berry's return, keeping Smith isn't as crucial, affording the Chiefs some flexibility as to how they build the secondary in 2016 and beyond.