The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, looking to extend their dynasty and capturing an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl, came into the offseason hoping to keep two of their defensive stars.
Defensive end Chris Jones and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed were set to hit the free agency market. Jones earned a massive contract extension to stay with the Chiefs and be a part of Chiefs’ kingdom. On the other hand, Sneed’s situation was more complex, as is the case for an overwhelming number of players who are slapped with the franchise tag. He was granted permission to seek a trade in late February.
After a few weeks of speculation, Sneed is set to be dealt to the Tennessee Titans, ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Friday night. In exchange, the Chiefs are expected to receive a third-round draft pick in next year’s draft and swap seventh-round picks with the Titans in the 2024 draft. Both parties are working on formalizing a new contract, which will make Sneed one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history, according to ESPN’s report.
Embed from Getty ImagesSneed was selected in the fourth-round of the 2020 draft out of Louisiana Tech, and immediately made his presence felt, becoming a crucial part of a Chiefs defense that was coming off a Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers.
As a rookie, Sneed started six games in the regular season and all three postseason games, including a Super Bowl loss at the hands of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Once he cracked the starting lineup, he did not relinquish the job. Sneed remained a starter for his next three seasons and was a key piece of two Super Bowl championship teams.
Sneed’s ability to travel and stick like glue to the oppositions best pass catcher and his versatility was an asset for creative defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who was just given a contract extension in his own right. Sneed kicked off his career as a slot cornerback but shifted outside. He also was an adept blitzer off the edge, which Spagnuolo took advantage of often. Sneed was a good cover corner who was not afraid to do the dirty work, tackle (he had 108 tackles in 2022) and could do practically whatever Spagnuolo needed.
Sneed also came through in the clutch and made one of the biggest plays of the Chiefs dynasty. In the fourth quarter of last season’s AFC championship game, he punched out a ball from Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers right before Flowers crossed the plain. The Chiefs recovered and went on to win.
Sneed did not waste anytime becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and he was a natural fit for the Chiefs’ scheme. He also wanted a long-term deal, however, this is when the business of football comes in. As stated previously, when he was given the franchise tag this offseason, he was also given permission to seek a trade. Many teams reportedly were interested in Sneed’s services, which was no surprise given his stellar play.
A lot has gone the Chiefs way in 2024, but Sneed’s deal became a big challenge. So, the Titans took full advantage and bolstered their defense. They already signed cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in free agency, so Sneed will be a welcome addition who should help the Titans compete in the AFC South this fall.
Once the trade is executed, Sneed’s departure to Tennessee will free up $19.8 million against the Chiefs’ salary cap.
