The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, looking forward to the historic activity of successful a 3rd straight Tremendous Bowl, got here into the offseason trying to retain two of their defensive stars.
Defensive finish Chris Jones and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed had been set to be free brokers. Jones acquired an enormous contract extension to stick with the Chiefs. Sneed’s state of affairs was harder, as is the case for a lot of gamers who’re given the franchise tag. He ended up getting permission to hunt a commerce in late February.
Now, Sneed is about to be traded to the Tennessee Titans, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday night time. In alternate, the Chiefs are anticipated to obtain a third-round draft choose in subsequent 12 months’s draft and swap seventh-round picks with the Titans within the 2024 draft. The 2 sides are engaged on formalizing a brand new contract, which can make Sneed one of many highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL historical past, in keeping with ESPN’s report.
Titans and franchise CB L’Jarius Snead have the framework of an settlement that they’ve been engaged on for days, per sources. Will probably be formalized after Sneed passes his bodily and it’ll make him one of many highest-paid CBs in NFL historical past. https://t.co/cSPTIZfkhi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2024
L’Jarius Sneed’s influence on the Chiefs
Sneed was a fourth-round select of Louisiana Tech, and instantly grew to become a giant a part of a Chiefs protection that was coming off a Tremendous Bowl win.
As a rookie, Sneed began six video games within the common season and all three playoff video games, together with a Tremendous Bowl loss. He remained a starter his subsequent three seasons and was a giant a part of two Tremendous Bowl championship groups.
Sneed’s versatility was an asset for inventive defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Sneed began his profession as a slot cornerback however shifted exterior. He additionally was an adept blitzer off the sting, which Spagnuolo took benefit of typically. Sneed was cowl nook who wasn’t afraid to deal with (he had 108 tackles in 2022) and will do virtually no matter Spagnuolo wanted.
Sneed additionally made one of many largest performs of the Chiefs dynasty. Within the fourth quarter of final season’s AFC championship recreation, he punched out a ball from Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers proper earlier than Flowers crossed the objective line. The Chiefs recovered and went on to win.
Sneed grew to become the most effective cornerbacks within the NFL in a short time and he was an incredible match for the Chiefs’ scheme. He additionally wished a long-term deal. When he was given the franchise tag this offseason, he was additionally given permission to hunt a commerce. Many groups reportedly had been , which was no shock given Sneed’s stellar play.
So much has gone properly for the Chiefs in 2024, however Sneed’s deal grew to become a giant problem. So the Titans took full benefit and bolstered their protection. They already signed cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in free company, so Sneed will probably be a welcome addition who ought to assist the Titans compete within the AFC South this fall.