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Eric Berry would still be an ideal fit for the Dallas Cowboys

By Tomas Romo

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 09: Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates his first quarter interception against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 09: Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates his first quarter interception against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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Despite addressing the need for a safety this past offseason, should the Dallas Cowboys revisit the possibility of signing free agent Eric Berry?

Even with the signing of former Cincinnati Bengals’ and Minnesota Vikings’ safety George Iloka and after drafting Texas A&M safety Donovan Wilson, the Dallas Cowboys could still be in need of a safety. Going into the offseason Dallas knew they needed to shore up the back end of the defense.

Former Kansas City Chiefs’ safety Eric Berry took a visit at The Star in Frisco earlier this offseason but walked away without a deal. Despite the signing of Iloka, the Cowboys could add Berry to compete at strong safety and he’d still be an ideal fit. He would be an instant upgrade over current safeties Jeff Heath and Xavier Woods, as well as Iloka and Wilson.

Looking at the numbers

Berry is a three-time First Team All-Pro as well as a five-time Pro Bowler. He got diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in December of 2014 and missed the rest of the season. After a year of treatment, he was deemed cancer free and made the Pro Bowl in 2015. Berry was then named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He played in 32 games from 2015-2016 but has struggled with injuries the past two seasons.

The former Chiefs’ safety had 448 tackles, 14 interceptions, and 51 pass deflections in his nine-year career. He would be a great addition to the Dallas that features a group of stars such as defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, cornerback Byron Jones, and linebacker duo Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith.

Looking ahead

While it might be unlikely that owner and general manager Jerry Jones pulls the trigger on signing another safety, it could pay off in the long run for the Cowboys. It is true, Berry has struggled to stay on the field as of late. However, when healthy, he is one of the best safeties in the game. Berry could jump into the lineup alongside Woods or Iloka and allow Heath to be used more in a special teams role.

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Eric Berry would be an immediate upgrade and would provide an influx of veteran leadership among a defensive unit filled with young playmakers. He is the ideal safety for Kris Richard‘s scheme who is the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for Dallas. Berry could come in right away and compete as well as offering insight to the younger players as the Cowboys prepare for a Super Bowl run next season.

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