The Kansas City Chiefs may end up slapping a franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and then proceeding to trade him, and an NFL insider thinks that might be a wise move for the Chiefs.
Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz says he spoke with an assistant general manager who said that Kansas City could fetch a second-round draft pick for Sneed.
Schultz notes that this would be significant for the Chiefs given that they are always drafting at the back end of every round due to their success. He also states that Chris Jones is Kansas City’s No. 1 priority, and with Kansas City having limited financial resources, that could spell the end for Sneed in a Chiefs uniform.
Sneed’s tag would be worth $19.8 million for 2024, which is certainly a hefty amount and something that Kansas City may not be willing to pay.
Of course, the Chiefs can always sign Sneed to a long-term deal, which would lower his number for next season, but that may severely inhibit Kansas City’s financial flexibility over the long haul, especially if it also hands Jones a lucrative multi-year contract.
Schultz also speculates that the Chiefs could take the money it would save by moving Sneed and allocating that to a free-agent wide receiver like Mike Evans or Calvin Ridley to get Patrick Mahomes more help.
Kansas City is clearly in need of offensive weapons, and you have to think that the front office will prioritize adding some more pass-catchers for Mahomes in the coming weeks and months.
That’s why it’s looking more and more like the Chiefs will ultimately part ways with Sneed this offseason, ending what has been an impressive run for the 27-year-old in Kansas City.
Sneed played in 16 games this past season, registering 78 tackles, a couple of interceptions, a fumble recovery and 14 passes defended in helping the Chiefs win their third Super Bowl in five years. L’Jarius Sneed was present for two of those championships.
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