5 realistic landing spots for L’Jarius Sneed after his ‘probable’ exit from the Kansas City Chiefs

After L’Jarius Sneed sent a message to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to pay him, they decided to franchise tag the cornerback. But that doesn’t mean the free agent won’t have the luxury of talking with teams before the league year starts.

During the recent NFL Combine, Veach came face-to-face with several questions. One of them was an inquiry about whether the Kansas City Chiefs would convene to negotiate with Sneed. Veach revealed the Super Bowl-winning corner isn’t the only one they are eager to keep a hold of. DT Chris Jones is another priority for the team.

Veach said:

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. 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. 

Brett Veach said

5 possible landing spots for L’Jarius Sneed

The very next day after Veach’s speech, L’Jarius Sneed‘s camp announced that they were seeking a trade. They will continue to hold talks for an extension, but interests from third parties have piqued their curiosity about exploring free agency. Sneed would earn a $19.8 million salary in 2024 under the tag for one season. But elsewhere, he could easily secure a long-term deal.

With that in mind, here are the teams on which L’Jarius Sneed may find himself next season.

Kansas City Chiefs

Staying with the Chiefs is the obvious course of action for a player who has had great success starting in Andy Reid‘s system. Sneed is undeniably one of the top corners in the league, and as Veach said, they would prefer not to let him walk. That should also be the desire for Sneed’s camp.

He ranked 5th against the opposition’s No. 1 receivers while playing 95 snaps last season. Starting mostly on the outside gives Coach Reid the leverage to play Trent McDuffie in the slot, providing balance to the backfield. McDuffie can switch roles with Sneed, going outside, but there’s no point in changing a winning chemistry.

If Sneed agrees to play under the tag, then the Chiefs will turn their attention to Jones. The Chiefs have just over $6 million in cap space, including a $19.8 million hit for Sneed’s tag. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Some of the Philadelphia Eagles players have been keeping in touch with Sneed ever since the trade rumors started to circulate on social media. The Eagles would love to acquire a top CB because that’s one area where they struggled the most in 2023. The yards after the catch they allowed in games ate away at the players’ confidence.

Moreover, no matter how great James Bradberry and Darius Slay are, both are not getting any younger. The Eagles have a decent $27.469 cap space, as per Over the Cap. They also hold two 2024 second-round picks and a compensatory pick in round three. General Manager Howie Roseman never shies away from taking a bold step. It won’t surprise anyone if Rosman parts ways with a couple of picks for Sneed.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams hold a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. If they don’t have a particular rookie in mind, then trading it for L’Jarius Sneed wouldn’t be a bad investment. Rather, it will instil much-needed experience in an otherwise extremely young backfield.

Last season, they added a veteran CB, Ahkello Witherspoon, from free agency. Witherspoon did really well banding together with 2022 sixth-round pick Derion Kendrick and 2023 sixth-round pick Tre Tomlinson. However, he only signed a one-year deal, so he is back to being a free agent. 

The Rams’ outside coverage wasn’t on par with their inside route stoppage. This is where Sneed can make a great contribution. With new defensive coordinator Chris Shula taking charge, they can start from scratch rather than playing in a pre-set game plan. As for now, Over the cap lists, the Rams have $39.905 million in 2024 salary cap space. They will release a few, freeing up more, so it won’t be a problem adding Sneed to the roster.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers would be an interesting prospect for any player at any position. More so for players in the backfield after the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. 

Jaire Alexander has been great for the Packers in the slot, but he could easily play on the outside. Last season, they avoided starting him in the outside channel because of his shoulder injury. Adding Sneed to the inside slot should solidify the backline.

Green Bay was 26th in DVOA against opposing No. 1 receivers last season. The only hindrance for them would be their $5 million in cap space, but Green Bay has ways to open up space. Everything depends on whether they will give quarterback Jordan Love an extension.

Atlanta Falcons

The only notable corner the Atlanta Falcons currently have on their roster is AJ Terraell. Despite that, the Falcons had a very good pass defense last season. But there have been significant changes in the offseason so far. Naturally, they would love to add a few players of their choice. Perhaps a trade with the Chiefs for L’Jarius Sneed could be a great option for those who are also looking to add a quarterback.

The Falcons have $38.519 million in 2024 salary cap space. As per Tankathon, the Falcons have a second-round and a couple of third picks in the draft. This should make for a sweet deal in exchange for Sneed.

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