The Kansas City Chiefs might still be celebrating their second straight Super Bowl title, but the focus has quickly shifted to seeing if they can keep some of their top-priced talent.
One of the biggest names on the list of pending free agents is top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The former fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech is set to become one of the highest-paid players at the position on the open market.
If the Chiefs allow him to walk, that is.
Chiefs Open To Using Franchise Tag on L’Jarius Sneed
Entering the 2024 NFL offseason, the Chiefs are set to have just $16 million in cap space. To keep a player of Sneed’s caliber around, they will have to restructure a few contracts for players signed on past this year.
Of course, Kansas City could also move some money and simply place the corner on the franchise tag to try and negotiate a potential trade or long-term extension.
According to ESPN Reporter Jeremy Fowler, that’s precisely what the team is willing to do. The long-time NFL reporter stated that the Chiefs would be willing to tag Sneed and move him if no long-term deal is reached.
Sneed, according to Fowler, is “agreeable to the scenario” that will allow him to negotiate with other teams while also keeping the Chiefs as a last-ditch kind of offer.
In four seasons with Kansas City, Sneed has picked off 10 passes while being considered one of the best cover corners in the game. Pro Football Focus graded his 2023 season with an elite 71.1 grade.
Arguably the easiest game to notice his dominant cover skills was in Super Bowl 58. Against a San Francisco 49ers team that had prolific receivers on the outside, Sneed held top catchers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel to a combined six catches for over 80 yards. Along with All-Pro slot cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs defense held the 49ers to just 22 points en route to their second Super Bowl title and third in five seasons.
What Does the Money Look Like for Sneed and Chiefs?
Both the Chiefs and Sneed have reasons to want to get a deal done between the two sides. Sneed could be a part of the continuation of a dynasty the Chiefs have built while becoming one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the game.
Money and trade value might be the only thing that stands in the way.
The franchise tender for cornerbacks is $19 million, so the Chiefs would need to move some money around for that to work. Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes could save the organization over $35 million should he choose to restructure his current deal with the franchise — giving the Chiefs plenty of space to not only tag Sneed but sign him to a long-term deal.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
There is also the long-term potential extension for All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones as well that Kansas City will need to figure out. Jones is looking to become the highest-paid defensive player in football, which could add a wrinkle to Sneed’s plans with the Chiefs.
What the organization decides to do with their two best players will be a fascinating one to watch over the coming months. With free agency continuing to creep closer, the Chiefs have plenty of difficult decisions to make to keep their dominant roster intact.
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