Eric Berry reports to Chiefs, signs franchise tag

Eric Berry has finally reported for duty.

After skipping the Kansas City Chiefs' offseason program and failing to reach a long-term contract, the all-pro safety signed his $10.8 million franchise tag tender Sunday. He cannot receive a multi-year extension until after the 2016 season.

"It’s good to have him back. He’s got a smile on his face, and he’s ready to go," coach Andy Reid said. "That’s the important thing that we get him back in, and get him going and get him into football shape now. He’s in great shape, but just get him into football shape.”

However Reid said Berry probably would not play in the Chiefs' final preseason game.

A team leader who became a national source of inspiration after battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014, Berry was named the league's comeback player of the year in 2015, when he finished with 61 tackles and two interceptions.

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He is a critical component of a Kansas City defense that allowed the third-fewest points in the league last year, adept in both run support and pass coverage.

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