The Kansas City Chiefs have some major decisions to make this offseason in free agency. Several key players are going to be hitting the open market, including starting cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
Sneed, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech, has been a permanent fixture in the team’s starting defense for nearly his entire career. He has started 54 out of the 57 games he has played in and has played at a high level.
Not wanting Sneed to walk away for nothing, the Chiefs informed him this week that they are planning to use the franchise tag on him. If no long-term deal can be reached, Kansas City is open to trading Sneed according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
NFL News & Rumors: L’Jarius Sneed, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
This is something Sneed is reportedly okay with happening. Having the franchise tag placed on him will enable him to talk to other potential suitors while the Chiefs remain involved in the process. It is a win-win for both sides as Kansas City can see what kind of market Sneed has.
Sneed isn’t the only important piece on defense the Chiefs have hitting free agency as star defensive tackle Chris Jones is as well. General manager Brett Veach revealed that the team will be using its franchise tag on one of them should deals not be worked out ahead of the deadline.
A playmaker with multiple interceptions in every season of his career, Sneed has also seen his passes defended increase each season. He has been a steady producer for the Chiefs, recording a PFF grade of at least 71.1 in three out of four seasons in the NFL.
He has certainly earned a payday with his performance in the 2023 season. There wasn’t a player in the NFL who matched up with the opponent’s No. 1 receiver more than Sneed. He drew that assignment in 65 percent of a game seven times, which was a league-high according to NFL Next Gen Stats via ESPN.
NFL News & Rumors: L’Jarius Sneed, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
Only Las Vegas Raiders star Davante Adams caught more than two passes against Sneed in those situations. Sneed didn’t allow a single touchdown in the regular season as the closest defender either.
Expect his market to be a robust one as Sneed has proven to be a legitimate No. 1 shutdown corner. That is something teams will pay a premium for in free agency as he could be the missing piece to turning a unit into an elite one.
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