KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 20: Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) The Cleveland Browns are reportedly interested in potentially dealing for Eric Berry in what might be the weirdest NFL rumor posted this week. Eric Berry is, at this point, a complete mystery. In the last few days alone, the Kansas City Chiefs star safety has been a candidate for immediate release, while other reports have said he will be cut post-June 1 for financial reasons. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke out recently and said the team was counting on him getting healthy for the upcoming regular season, contrary to any idea that Berry wouldn’t be around. on Wednesday, however, the greatest (or most insane) rumor concerning Berry was presented by NFL reporter Art Stapleton. Specifically, Stapleton says it’s possible that Berry won’t be on the Chiefs in 2019, but not because the team decided to release him. Rather John Dorsey, general manager of the Cleveland Browns, wants to trade for him. Hearing rumors that John Dorsey and Browns could be making a play to pluck Eric Berry out of Kansas City. Normally I’d ignore those rumors, but after the events of last night, this is another one I’ll be keeping an eye on. — Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 13, 2019 Dorsey was general manager in Kansas City from 2013 to 2017, so he saw up close just how devastating Berry can be in the secondary when healthy. For the Chiefs, however, the ability to get something for a player that many fans would love to see cut loose for nothing is a nice proposition. Berry is most certainly a dominant performer when healthy, but he’s only played in a few games over the last two full seasons. At this point, most fans are content to turn the corner given the unpredictability over his playing status. This is certainly a rumor to take with a grain of salt at this point, and Stapleton himself seems to understand this. However, Dorsey has already pulled the trigger on a shocking trade for Odell Beckham, Jr. so apparently nothing is off the table at this point. Berry tore his Achilles tendon in 2017 and missed every gaem of the season except for the opener. Last year, Berry remained out until the final few games of the year as he dealt with a bone spur. He’s refused to have surgery so far, so the Chiefs are hoping the injury will heal on its own.<doc-sep>Earlier this week we took a look at what the pending deal for Tyrann Mathieu meant for Eric Berry, but we left out one possibility because it seemed so far-fetched. No one could possibly be interested in trading for a player that has started just four games in the past two seasons, right? It turns out that might not be the case. For the Chiefs a trade does make some financial sense. The team would eat $12 million in dead cap immediately, but save $4.5 million during the 2019 season. They also wouldn’t have any future dead cap on his deal, which means it’d free space for eventual extensions and free agents signings. One team has already been tossed out a suitor. According to Giants beat writer Art Stapleton, the Cleveland Browns are rumored to be interested in acquiring Berry. This would make some sense as John Dorsey is familiar with Berry from his time with the Chiefs. The Browns are also rumored to be interested in acquiring a strong safety, after trading Jabrill Peppers to the Giants. The interest also makes some sense because the Ravens are expected to sign Earl Thomas. Thomas was one of the top remaining free agent safeties available. With him coming off the market it’s possible that more teams could get involved to bring the talents of Berry to their city. It’s unclear what the potential return could be for Berry given his injury issues, but the Chiefs could potentially target a player instead of a draft pick in a trade. Also look for the physical to be emphasized in any potential trade agreement for Berry. Teams will want to get an extensive look on what is going on with his heel.<doc-sep>David Eulitt/Getty Images The Cleveland Browns are apparently not done adding talent. According to Art Stapleton of the Record, general manager John Dorsey "could be making a play" to acquire Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry. The Browns have been especially aggressive this week, reportedly adding receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants in a trade for Jabrill Peppers and two draft picks, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Berry could replace Peppers in the starting lineup and add experience to an emerging defense. While there was initially speculation that the Browns could add Earl Thomas in free agency, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that won't happen. This leaves Berry as the best option as a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro—both most recently in 2016. Unfortunately, calf injuries have limited him to four games over the past two seasons, including the playoffs. This is also likely why the Chiefs would entertain a trade, especially with his $16.5 million cap hit for 2019. According to Spotrac, the squad would have $12 million in dead cap with a trade but would clear itself of the rest of its $47.6 million commitment over the next four seasons. Although Kansas City is hoping to contend for a Super Bowl next season, it hasn't been afraid to deal key players. The Chiefs reportedly dealt Pro Bowl pass-rusher Dee Ford to the San Francisco 49ers and released veteran linebacker Justin Houston.<doc-sep>Get the latest scoops, news and rumors as NFL teams prepare for the draft and free agency. For many free agents and teams, Wednesday is one of the biggest days of the year. At 4 p.m. ET, the new league year starts, meaning all those deals that were agreed upon during the legal tampering period will be official once contracts are signed. Some of the biggest names in the NFL will have new addresses in 2019, including wide receiver Antonio Brown, who was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for two mid-round draft picks. Brown's former teammate Le'Veon Bell is officially off the market as well, agreeing to a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the New York Jets. The New York Giants perplexing offseason continued, and they traded wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns for safety Jabrill Peppers and 2019 first and third round draft picks. Other deals include Nick Foles cashing in his recent success with an $88 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while former Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu intends to sign a three-year, $42 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are all the latest rumors and news from around the NFL. 12:23 a.m. ET (March 14, 2019) • Browns are signing former Chiefs TE Demetrius Harris to a two-year, $6 million deal that includes $3.25 million guaranteed. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) 12:11 a.m. ET (March 14, 2019) • Former Jaguars' WR Donte Moncrief reached an agreement with the Steelers on a two-year deal. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) 9:35 p.m. ET • Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett is returning to the Patriots on a one-year deal. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) 8 p.m. ET • Eagles free agent running back Jay Ajayi is set to visit with the Indianapolis Colts next week. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) 7:25 p.m. ET • Raiders free agent tight end Jared Cook is scheduled to visit the Saints on Thursday. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) 7:15 p.m. ET • The Packers are re-signing tight end Marcedes Lewis to a one-year deal. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) 6:40 p.m. ET • The Bears have officially released kicker Cody Parkey. (Chicago Bears) 6:30 p.m. ET • If the Saints lose Teddy Bridgewater to the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans could target Ryan Tannehill as a potential backup quarterback. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) 5:50 p.m. ET • The 49ers are signing Tevin Coleman to a two-year, $10 million deal. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) ​5 p.m. ET • While Rob Gronkowski's agent says the tight end has not made a firm decision on his future, the Patriots are planning as if he'll be back in 2019. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) • Chiefs release veteran safety Eric Berry after nine seasons with the team. (Kansas City Chiefs) • The Packer will be keeping wide receiver Geronimo Allison on a one-year deal. (Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports) • The Dolphins are still pursuing Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater. (Diana Russini, ESPN) • The Vikings have received calls from teams interested in trading for former first-round CB Trae Waynes. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) • The Radiers are giving former Chargers WR Tyrell Williams a four-year, $44 million deal with a max value of $47 million. The deal includes $22 million guaranteed. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) 1 p.m. ET • The Chargers agreed to a two-year deal with QB Tyrod Taylor. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) • DB Jason McCourty will return to the Patriots on a two-year deal. (Mike Reiss, ESPN) • The Redskins are working to bring back safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) • RB Mark Ingram intends to sign a three-year, $15 million deal with the Ravens. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) • The Saints agreed to a five-year deal with kicker Will Lutz. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) • Veteran safety Earl Thomas and the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $55 million deal, including $32 million guaranteed. Thomas will receive $22 million in the first nine months of his contract. (Adam Schefter, ESPN) 7 a.m. ET • Former Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris intends to sign a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com) 6:30 a.m. ET • The Browns are confident they will be able to land safety Earl Thomas. Thomas spent his first nine seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. (Jason La Confora, CBS Sports) 12:30 a.m. ET • Free agent RB Le'Veon Bell has agreed to sign a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the New York Jets. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com) Tuesday, 10 p.m. ET • After trading for Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns are no longer following through on their verbal agreement with wide receiver Breshad Perriman. Perriman will now sign a one-year, $4 million deal with the Buccaneers. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com) 8:15 p.m. ET • The Chiefs are talking with the 49ers about a trade for pass rusher Dee Ford. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network) • The Giants traded WR Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns in exchange for safety Jabrill Peppers, a first-round draft pick and a third-round pick. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)<doc-sep>
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 20: Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) The Cleveland Browns are in the market for a safety after trading Jabrill Peppers, and they could be attempting to trade for Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry. Following the trade of Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns are looking for Peppers’ replacement at strong safety. Cleveland was rumored to be interested in signing free agent safety Earl Thomas, but NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday that Thomas will not be signing with the Browns. However, the Browns may have their eyes on another former All-Pro safety. According to USA Today’s Art Stapleton, he is hearing the Browns may be attempting to trade for Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry. Hearing rumors that John Dorsey and Browns could be making a play to pluck Eric Berry out of Kansas City. Normally I'd ignore those rumors, but after the events of last night, this is another one I'll be keeping an eye on. — Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 13, 2019 The idea makes a lot of sense considering Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey was the Chiefs general manager for three and a half years. He is familiar with Berry and knows what the 30-year-old could bring to the Browns defense. Berry could be on his way out of Kansas City after the Chiefs agreed to terms with Tyrann Mathieu on a three-year. $42 million deal. The Chiefs have received little production from Berry the last two seasons because of injuries. He signed a six-year, $78 million contract extension in 2017. Berry tore his Achilles in the 2017 season opener and missed the rest of the 2017 season. Heel issues continued to hinder Berry into 2018 and kept him out of the Kansas City lineup until their Week 15 game last season. Berry played three games in 2018, including one playoff game, and made 16 total tackles. In Berry’s last full season in 2016, he made 77 total tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns), and nine passes defended. He was named a first-team All-Pro that season. The Browns will be looking to find a strong safety to replace Peppers. In the Browns defense, Peppers played more often in the box and covering the nickel instead of playing as the deep safety. Berry would match what the Browns are looking for in a safety to replace Peppers. When he is healthy, Berry is an elite play-maker that is one of the best safeties in the league. However, the question is if Berry will ever be healthy enough to play like his former self. Because of his connections to the Chiefs, it would make a lot of sense if Dorsey called Kansas City about Berry’s availability. Due to his injuries, age, and large contract, Berry may not have much trade value. But with the Browns need for a safety, it is worth exploring if the Chiefs are willing to move him.