Report: Chiefs, Berry still working on extension ahead of deadline

The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to hash out an 11th-hour deal with a franchise-tagged player for the second time in as many years.

As Friday's 4 p.m. negotiation deadline fast approaches, the Chiefs are still discussing a long-term extension with star safety Eric Berry, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The two sides, Rapoport adds, will continue working throughout the afternoon.

Recent reports have suggested that Berry is one of several players unlikely to receive a new deal, and thus expected to play the season under the one-year franchise tag.

These deadlines tend to influence action from both negotiating parties, though, and any information leaked beforehand is almost always done with the purpose of gaining leverage over the opposing side.

Parameters of a potential multi-year deal to take the place of Berry's one-year $10.8-million tender can be expected to fall within the range of the five-year $51.250-million extension Harrison Smith signed in Minnesota.

Surpassing Smith as the NFL's highest-paid safety is presumably a goal of Berry's representation, and the Chiefs should have no issue making that happen if the guaranteed money structure can be agreed upon.

Berry re-established himself as an elite-level defensive back last season after making his incredible return from a battle with cancer. The 27-year-old started every game from Week 2 forward, recording 61 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed to earn his fourth Pro Bowl nod.