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L’Jarius Sneed Set to Become Latest ‘Tag and Trade’ Star as Chiefs Gauge Draft Capital Amidst Rumored Interest

Published 03/06/2024, 11:15 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

In an offseason marked with game plans and high risks, the Kansas City Chiefs have officially applied the franchise tag on their stellar cornerback, L’Jarius Sneed. This bold move could be a groundbreaking trade that will forever change the NFL’s defenses. The 27-year-old cornerback is fresh from another remarkable season when he held down his opponents’ receivers throughout. He has been instrumental in Kansas City’s recent successes. Yet, there is speculation that Sneed may be involved in a big trade before long as contract extensions loom for Chris Jones.

This opening echoes ones that may reverberate even into Sneed’s career and Chief’s drive toward Super Bowl appearances. However, costly office negotiations are coming soon because the retention of Sneed throughout his playing career must go hand in hand with Chris Jones’ next possible mega-extension.

L’Jarius Sneed’s trade symphony: NFL’s high-stakes ballet unfolds

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“Tagging and trading” could be on the Chiefs’ mind. They may be intent on securing Sneed’s short-term stay with the franchise tag, but they’re also open to trading him to another team for potential gains if a long-term deal isn’t on the cards. Given his class play, the Chiefs’ urgency to announce the franchise tag on lockdown cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is understandable. His blanket coverage crumbled opposing passing attacks all year. “He’s a game-wrecker in every sense,” raved defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “Having that lockdown force on the back end is like holding an ace every single snap.”

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Locking in a standout player like Sneed for the Chiefs exceeds the immediate impact. As Patrick Mahomes leads the charge for championships, it’s crucial to solidify the defense alongside Chris Jones to ensure a lasting run at titles. Sneed offers a unique blend of proven performance and promising long-term potential, making him a player worth investing in for the future.

But per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs are putting their efforts into sorting things out with defensive lineman Chris Jones. Once they secure a contract extension for Jones, Kansas City will shift their attention to negotiating with Sneed and determining his future with the team.

 

As fans hold their collective breath, one question lingers: Will Sneed’s elite playmaking prowess be donning new colors next season?

Sneed’s journey: exploring potential destinations

If Sneed should depart, it would be a fall from grace for this air-tight defense to fix a leak that cannot be adequately patched anywhere else. On the other hand, keeping him means losing out on vital parts needed to maintain an entire roster capable of winning championships. As these delicate deliberations continue inside closed offices, Sneed’s abilities on the field underline his importance.

The 27-year-old blanketed opposing receivers with a tenacity that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo hailed as “game-wrecking” in the official press conference. With Sneed stabilizing the back end, Kansas City’s defense ascended to an impenetrable force. But will Sneed’s heroics still be donning red next season?

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Should Snee­d decide to leave­, several eager teams will be waiting. The Philade­lphia Eagles must improve their vulnerable secondary team afte­r a year-end letdown. The­ Houston Texans, an emerging te­am with plenty of money to spend, are­ headed by their quarterback CJ Stroud. Imagine Sneed te­aming up with Derek Stingley Jr — the­y could be an unbeatable duo.

L’Jarius Sneed To Leave Kansas City Chiefs? What Can Make The Defensive Asset Stay?

The­ Los Angeles Rams would want to use Sne­ed’s talents to boost their chance­s of winning with Matthew Stafford. And let’s not forget the­ Detroit Lions. Their hopes for a grand finale­ came apart during the second half of the­ NFC title game.

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No matter what happe­ns next, it’s clear — the Chie­fs have stirred up an intense­ football strategy game that will ripple throughout the­ NFL’s defense division.

“If It Fits the Bill”: Andy Reid on Retaining Both L’Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones on Chiefs

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Written by:

Sanu Abraham

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Sanu Abraham is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. As a passionate football fan, he brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the coverage of the sport and its many exciting personalities. He seeks to write lively and engaging articles that play to his expertise.
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Edited by:

Shubhankar Adhikari