The Kansas City Chiefs have made a big move by officially placing the nonexclusive franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. This tag allows Sneed to engage in discussions with other teams, potentially leading to a trade. The Chiefs have expressed their willingness to work out a trade with interested teams, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The possibility of a new contract for Sneed being part of a trade deal is also on the table, pending league approval. The franchise tag salary for Sneed for the 2024 season would amount to $19.8 million if he were to play under it.
Retaining Top Prospective Free Agents
General manager Brett Veach had previously stated the team’s hope of keeping both Sneed and defensive tackle Chris Jones, who are their top prospective free agents. Jones, who previously held out for a better contract, eventually played the entire season on his existing contract, receiving additional incentives. The release of wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling allowed the Chiefs to clear up around $12 million in salary cap space. With Sneed now franchised, the team has approximately $3.5 million in salary cap space per OverTheCap.com.
In the 2023 season, L’Jarius Sneed showcased impressive skills, covering the opponents’ top receivers on the majority of snaps in several games. He limited the top receivers to minimal receptions, with standout performances against players like Davante Adams and Zay Flowers. Sneed’s ability to prevent touchdown catches as the nearest defender was remarkable throughout the season, with the exception of one play in the divisional round playoff game. In his career so far, Sneed has accumulated 10 interceptions and 40 passes defended in regular-season games, along with additional postseason stats.
The decision to franchise tag L’Jarius Sneed indicates the Chiefs’ commitment to maintaining a strong defensive lineup. By securing Sneed’s services for at least the upcoming season, the team ensures stability in the cornerback position. However, the financial constraints resulting from the franchise tag and existing salary cap limitations may impact the team’s ability to make further moves in free agency or contract extensions.
Looking Ahead
As the deadline for using the franchise tag approaches, the Chiefs will need to finalize their plans regarding potential trades involving L’Jarius Sneed. The outcome of negotiations with other teams could significantly impact the team’s roster composition for the next season. Additionally, decisions regarding the future of other pending free agents and potential contract extensions will shape the Chiefs’ roster for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen how the franchise tag situation with Sneed will unfold in the coming weeks and what it means for the team’s overall strategy moving forward.
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