Could Redskins consider signing recently released safety Eric Berry?

The Washington Redskins are still in the market for safety help. With Eric Berry now available, could the team target him as a potential partner for Landon Collins?

The Redskins’ acquisition of Landon Collins early in the free agent period hasn’t stopped them from pursuing some other deals. They re-signed Adrian Peterson for a couple of years on Wednesday and are reportedly still trying to get a deal done with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. So, they are still certainly active.

That said, the team has put themselves in position to make another splash move if they so desire. And one may have become available on Wednesday.

The Chiefs made the surprising decision to release their star safety, Eric Berry, after nine years with the team. Berry was once one of the best safeties in the league, but injuries and illness have taken their respective tolls on him in the past couple of seasons.

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In 2014, Berry was limited to just six games after dealing with a high ankle sprain and then receiving a cancer diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Berry battled and beat the cancer, returning to football the next year and putting forth a couple of All-Pro seasons. He also was the Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.

However, the past couple of seasons have been a rough go for Berry. He has only played in a total of four games, including the postseason, as Achilles and heel issues have plagued him. And when on the field, he clearly wasn’t 100 percent.

Still, when healthy, Berry is one of the best safeties in the league. So, he should draw interest on a market that paid Earl Thomas $55 million over four years. Comparatively, Berry is similarly excellent in coverage, like Thomas, and they are both entering their 30s, but his health has been worse than Thomas’. So, he will likely command less on the open market and could get a one-year, “prove it” deal.

The Redskins should certainly have an interest in getting Berry. Though they are displaying interest in bringing back Clinton-Dix, they may not be able to get the job done. He might simply be too costly if he has multiple suitors. If that ends up being the case, the ‘Skins will have to look for an alternative, and Berry could be the fit.

Berry is a great ballhawk and playmaker. He’d be a great complement to Collins, as Collins’ best skill is his elite tackling ability. The two would be able to form a formidable safety duo, so Berry should get some consideration, especially if he comes at a cheaper price tag than Clinton-Dix.

Of course, the Redskins could end up having competition from Berry as a buy-low option. After all, John Dorsey has a relationship with Berry from their time together with the Cleveland Browns, so with the Browns needing a safety, Berry could be a logical fit there. That’s not his only fit, but it certainly is one.

Also, it’s worth noting that Berry is four years older than Clinton-Dix. So, if Washington doesn’t want to invest in an older player at the position, they may not target Berry and instead be willing to spend a little more for Clinton-Dix. In fact, targeting a younger player may be smarter for them anyway, whether it’s Clinton-Dix or someone else.

Next. Redskins re-sign Adrian Peterson to two-year deal. dark

It will be interesting to see if the ‘Skins show any interest in Berry. He would seemingly fill one of their biggest remaining needs, so targeting him after his release would be a solid move.

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