Chris Ballard is the former director of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, and they just let go one of their best players, Eric Berry.
Berry, the former all-pro free safety, was let go by the Chiefs on Wednesday. Berry was picked 5th overall by the Chiefs in the 2010 NFL draft and has played all of his seasons in Kansas City. In 2014, he took a year off from football to battle Hodgkin’s lymphoma and recovered.
In 89 games, the safety has compiled 51 passes defended, 14 interceptions (5 returned for touchdowns), 5.5 sacks, and 445 tackles with 377 solo. Not only is he a great player, but he is also a great man constantly getting involved with the community.
Not only has he been selected three-time all-pro, but has been selected to the pro-bowl 5 times in his 10-year career.
However, the team is releasing him after two years of battling injury. He tore his Achilles in 2017 and battled a heel injury that kept him out most of the season. The 30-year old safety is now looking for another team to use his services.
Even with his injury history, he may be of use to the Colts in our secondary that is lacking depth and elite talent. It’s logical to think that since Chris Ballard was the director of operations he may take a look at Berry for obvious reasons. Ballard and Reich turned the defense from nearly worst to first in one year in overall defense. Berry can help bring elite talent to the field, even if it’s just for a few more years.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid released a statement regarding the release:
"“I’d like to thank Eric for his contributions to our team and the Kansas City community over the last nine years. Seeing his passion and watching his love for the game has been truly remarkable. He’s a special person, and we wish him the best as his career moves forward.”"
The General Manager, Brett Veach, for the Chiefs also said something regarding his release:
"“We continually evaluate every aspect of our football team and we came to the decision that it was in our best interest to release Eric. Knowing what Eric has meant to this organization and this city made this an incredibly difficult decision. We wish him nothing but the best.”"
Not only do I think Berry will make a great addition, but I also believe the Colts will make a move for Nelson Agholor with Frank Reich, the former offensive coordinator of the Eagles, as our head coach.
Even with signing Margus Hunt, and Devin Funchess from the Panthers, Chris Milton, and Pierre Desir, the Colts have over $80 million in cap room to spend. Eric Berry would make a great addition to our team and help with a young, developing secondary.