Kansas City Chiefs S Eric Berry, a former Tennessee standout, has been one of the NFL’s best stories in recent years.

Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December of 2014, but managed to return to the field in time for the 2015 season, leading the Chiefs to the playoffs.

Entering the 2016 season, the star safety is looking for a contract extension. If nothing changes before the July 15 deadline, Berry will most likely play this year under the franchise tag, which will pay him $10.8 million.

But, Berry told the Kansas City Star, he was hoping to have an extension signed by now:

“I thought it would progress a little bit more,” Berry said. “But it’s still been pretty much the same since the last time we talked. A lot can change in a week. A lot can change for whenever the deadline is.”

The Chiefs are in a tough position, with very little cap room available to make a competitive offer to Berry. Berry said he understands the business aspect of the NFL, but he still hopes to be in Kansas City for a long time:

“Obviously I’d love to be a Chief — I want to be a Chief long term, just because of the community, the staff, from top to bottom, the players and everything,” Berry said. “But sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I’m prepared for that, but hopefully it goes as planned, and I’m prepared for that, as well.”

Berry was the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2015. He defended 10 passes and snagged two interceptions en route to a Pro Bowl selection.