Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs used the franchise tag on safety Eric Berry (EPA | Larry W. Smith)

The Kansas City Chiefs used the franchise tag on safety Eric Berry on Tuesday, guaranteeing the 27-year-old -- who made a comeback from cancer last season --$10.8 million in 2016.

Berry was set to become a free agent when the new league year begins on March 9, but now the Chiefs will retain his exclusive rights and can negotiate a long-term contract between now and the market opening, without other teams getting a crack at the coveted safety.

Following a battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Berry returned in 2015 and turned in a Pro Bowl season while being named a second-team All-Pro and collecting the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Berry finished the season with 61 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.

Several reports suggested the Eagles as a potential landing spot for Berry, if he hit the free agent market, but that now appears to be a long shot.

The Eagles likely will need to identify a safety via free agency to pair with Malcolm Jenkins, whether that is free-agent to-be Walter Thurmond or another free agent.

Here's a look at five other Kansas City Chiefs potential free agents that could join head coach Doug Pederson with the Eagles this season.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.