The Chiefs Need to Check in on a Former Fan-Favorite DB Who’s Shockingly Pondering an NFL Return

After the Chiefs released Marcus Peters in early March, his phone buzzed with a number of calls from old friends and former coaches. They fielded questions about what he should do next. But one call that came on April 17 made him feel like maybe they didn’t need to ask after all: One day later, free-agent signing Tyrann Mathieu announced plans to sign with Kansas City’s division rival Dallas Cowboys.

Eric Berry is a former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback who was the team’s first-round pick in 2010. After missing most of last season due to injury, he is now considering an NFL return. The Chiefs need to check in on him and see if they can get him back.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense was one of the most talked-about topics in the NFL before the start of the 2021 season. They were allowing opponents to score at will while also putting a ridiculous amount of pressure on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.

As a result, Mahomes threw an eye-popping 10 interceptions in the first eight weeks of the season. Because his defense was unable to generate regular stops, the former league MVP was putting a lot of pressure on the ball.

The Chiefs’ defense has quietly improved significantly over the last several weeks. In their previous three games, they’ve let up a total of 30 points. All three of them were victories. One of the reasons the team’s defense improved so quickly is the arrival of DE/OLB Melvin Ingram at the trade deadline.

However, a few decent games will not fix all of your problems. The Chiefs’ defense must improve considerably more if they are to have a realistic chance of returning to the Super Bowl.

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The Chiefs’ defense is still a work in progress.

While the Chiefs have looked like a different team over the last month, they still rank near the bottom of the NFL in a number of key defensive measures.

In the NFL, they surrender the most yards per play (6.2). In terms of passing yards allowed, they are ninth worst (2,780). They’re also seventh-worst in terms of anticipated defensive points (-84.87).

The Chiefs’ roster is built in such a manner that it greatly favors the offensive side of the ball. They’ve invested a lot of money on Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and a few O-Line guys. This is a team that relies on their offense to win games when it means the most.

If this method is to succeed in the playoffs, the defense must gradually improve to at least league-average numbers. The Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens are all skilled point scorers.

The Chiefs should pay a visit to an old acquaintance.

You’re probably aware that Eric Berry overcame cancer and returned to All-Pro form in the NFL.

Then he vanished, never to be seen or heard from again until now:

On everything from a possible comeback to his passion for automobiles to advise from a stranger in Kansas City. https://t.co/GfB8fAE1zL

December 2, 2021 — Sam Mellinger (@mellinger)

It’s December, and the Chiefs’ choices for upgrading their defense are limited. However, an old acquaintance seems to be making himself accessible.

Eric Berry, a former fan favorite safety, hasn’t ruled out a comeback to the NFL, according to The Kansas City Star.

… Some clubs have approached Berry about playing again, according to Berry. To be sure, each prospective employer would have their own set of questions to ask before committing to a contract. Berry claims to be physically “where I need to be,” but clubs would want to see for themselves. He’ll be 33 this month, and he hasn’t snapped in over three years. He hasn’t played more than three games in five years (including the playoffs).

But, with just five complete NFL seasons under his belt, returning after three years out wouldn’t be the most remarkable comeback of his career.

The Kansas City Star’s Sam Mellinger

Is it possible that Eric Berry will be added to the practice squad?

Getty Images/David Eulitt/Eric Berry

Eric Berry was one of the best safeties in the NFL during his heyday. With Kansas City, he was named to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.

He hasn’t played in the league since 2018 and will be 33 in December. It’s worth thinking, however, whether the seasoned pro still has a few tricks up his sleeve. He’s obviously not the same athlete he used to be (especially after a battle with lymphoma cancer). His intellect, on the other hand, would remain a vital weapon. He knows more about coverages and passing principles than anybody else.

Berry believes that NFL organizations have approached him about returning to the game, but he has yet to sign with anybody. If he decides to return to professional football, it’s safe to assume that he’ll put the Chiefs at the top of his priority list. Due to their weak defense, Kansas City should be at least slightly intrigued. Berry could need to pay a brief visit to the practice squad.

Pro Football Reference provided all stats.

The Panthers will revisit the Deshaun Watson trade talks after Christian McCaffrey’s season-ending injury.

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The “kc chiefs injury report” is a piece that discusses the status of Kansas City Chiefs’ cornerback Marcus Peters. The article discusses how Peters was not only a fan-favorite, but also a Pro Bowl player for the team. It goes on to say how he has been contemplating an NFL return and could potentially be back in time for the 2019 season.