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Earlier this week, we looked into possible circumstances surrounding the L’Jarius Sneed decision for the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, we have received a few updates and tidbits revolving around that upcoming decision. Kansas City is still open to retaining the cornerback, if possible. However, there may be a clearer path for Sneed, if he indeed ends up changing teams this offseason.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach took to the podium for questions. As part of his press conference, he mentioned that Kansas City wants to keep both Sneed and Chris Jones. At the same time, Veach gave a notable hint at the possibility of utilizing the franchise tag.
“We certainly want to do what we can to try to keep both of those players, and that’s going to be our goal and intent,” Veach stated. “Hopefully, we’re able to figure something out, but every free agency is different, unique and crazy. We do have one (franchise) tag, and I anticipate probably using it to help us. But, I think our goal is to try to get both of those players done and then work down the rest of our roster.”
Then the next day, the Chiefs had formally granted L’Jarius Sneed and his camp permission to seek a trade. This was reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Wednesday afternoon. Kansas City could still franchise tag Sneed by the Tuesday, March 5th deadline. He and the Chiefs would then have until July to work out a long-term contract extension. If he were to play on the franchise tag and not receive a longer deal, Sneed would earn a $19.8 million salary for 2024. Though, if things keep trending the way they seem, a possible tag and trade scenario could occur rather quickly. An acquiring team would then likely sign Sneed to a long-term contract extension themselves.
If that were to happen, which teams could be possible landing spots for L’Jarius Sneed? We will list six teams who may see the cornerback as a clear fit in a tag and trade scenario. Let’s kick it off.
L’Jarius Sneed Landing Spots In Tag And Trade Scenario
Detroit Lions
If there is one weakness on the upstart Detroit Lions, it is the cornerback position. Detroit just could not stabilize any opponents on the outside. In 2023, the Lions ranked 27th in passing yards allowed and 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt. This cornerback room was simply too soft when attempting to challenge the best opposing wide receivers on their schedule. Perhaps, adding a physical player like L’Jarius Sneed would help with turning the Lions cornerbacks around.
As of now, Detroit has the seventh most salary cap space for 2024, sitting at $56.462 million, per Over The Cap. They can definitely fit Sneed into their present and future plans with a lucrative contract extension. More importantly for Kansas City, the Chiefs could see the Lions as a worthy trade partner, due to their 2024 draft capital. I would envision KC landing a day two pick in a L’Jarius Sneed tag and trade scenario. Detroit currently has a second rounder and two third rounders in 2024.
Philadelphia Eagles
While the Lions were disappointing at cornerback last year, the Philadelphia Eagles were entirely dreadful as an entire secondary. Philadelphia could not stay in-phase with pass catchers when traveling down the field. The Eagles were never in correct communication as a defensive back group. And worst of all, the amount of yards that they allowed after the catch was pitiful, largely due to poor tackling.
James Bradberry and Darius Slay are not getting any younger. And of course, Howie Roseman is not afraid to make aggressive moves to help fix his team. The Eagles currently sit at $27.469 million in 2024 salary cap space, via Over The Cap. As far as draft picks go, Philadelphia has two 2024 second-round picks, both around 50 overall. Tankathon is also projecting them for a compensatory pick in round three. With those assets and horrid pass defense results last season, Philadelphia could take a chance on L’Jarius Sneed.
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Washington Commanders
This may not be as aggressive as an organization as others on this list. But, Washington is now under new ownership. They are looking to turn things around quickly. Additionally, new head coach Dan Quinn will want star defensive backs as a defensive-minded head coach. And quite frankly, the Commanders have not had a stud cornerback in a good stretch.
Washington currently has the fourth most 2024 salary cap space. Over The Cap pegs them at having $77.904 million in room right now. A L’Jarius Sneed extension to make him the face of that secondary would not be hard to fit in, as a result. In terms of draft picks, Washington has two second-round picks in 2024, 36 and 40 overall. That is premium capital that may be hard to part with. But even still, the Commanders have their own third-round pick and are projected to receive another compensatory third rounder as part of the Chase Young trade with San Francisco. With many weapons to slow down in the NFC East, Sneed could be a huge benefit to Washington.
Atlanta Falcons
Outside of AJ Terrell, the Falcons could use more certainty at the cornerback spot. Atlanta was actually a solid pass defense in 2023. However, this group is undergoing a coaching change. This new staff may look to make a worthwhile splash. Could the Falcons be the ones to swing big after L’Jarius Sneed in a tag and trade scenario?
Atlanta currently has $38.519 million in 2024 salary cap space, per Over The Cap. They may look to spend heavily to help get this team back to the playoffs. On the other hand, Atlanta has a second-round pick and two third-round picks, according to Tankathon. All three of those picks are in the top 80, which could be seen as tantalizing by the Chiefs in a tag and trade deal. Sneed would immediately form an intriguing cornerback duo in that setting with the aforementioned Terrell.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have never been afraid to trade away any draft picks. This Rams regime has also never hesitated in handing out major money to land new stars, to boot. LA largely impressed in 2023 with a mostly young defense after some personnel turnover last offseason. The Rams could lose Ahkello Witherspoon to free agency this spring, though. They may want a trustworthy piece ahead of names like Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick.
As of now, Over The Cap lists the Rams as having $39.905 million in 2024 salary cap space. A L’Jarius Sneed extension would be very achievable to fit in after a tag and trade. Los Angeles has their own picks in both round two and round three. Meanwhile, Tankathon is projecting them for a compensatory third rounder, as well. If this defense is going to take another step forward, the Rams may view Sneed as an opportunity to pounce on.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals may not be ready to compete, as currently constructed. But with Kyler Murray locked up for the long-term, Arizona will need to add more premium players. The Cardinals are lacking any star power at cornerback. Last year’s starters were Antonio Hamilton, who will be a free agent this spring, and Starling Thomas. Most casual fans have never heard of those names. Arizona could be willing to give up some assets to find a defensive leader like L’Jarius Sneed.
Over The Cap lists the Cardinals as having $51.104 million in 2024 salary cap space. And quite honestly, not many names are locked up long-term for Arizona. That makes adding Sneed in a tag and trade with a new contract extension encouraging for both the present and the future. Tankathon has Arizona as having 13 draft picks in 2024. So, they may be willing to part with one or two. The Cardinals have a second-round pick at 35 overall. They also have three picks in round three at this moment.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.