In the heart of Kansas City, the drama surrounding cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and his future with the Chiefs continues to unfold. Since being slapped with the franchise tag nearly three weeks ago, speculation has been rife about whether Sneed, a pivotal figure in the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl triumphs, will remain with the team that saw him rise to prominence or if he’ll don a new jersey come next season.
Despite expectations that the Chiefs might trade Sneed in a move reminiscent of the Dee Ford deal in 2019, no such transaction has materialized. With the NFL free agency underway and several teams, including the Lions and Steelers, opting for veteran corners without the need for a new contract, the market for Sneed seems to be narrowing.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, other potential suitors like the Vikings, Patriots, and Falcons have also looked elsewhere, further complicating Sneed’s situation.
L’Jarius Sneed’s Contract Demands
The crux of the matter lies in Sneed’s contract expectations. The cornerback is reportedly seeking a long-term deal that would see him earn around $20 million per season. Such a demand, while reflective of Sneed’s contributions on the field, presents a significant investment for any team, especially in a tag-and-trade scenario.
The Chiefs, for their part, are believed to be holding out for a second-round pick, or a combination of a third-round pick with another, to facilitate a trade.
This high asking price and the complexities of negotiating a new contract have contributed to the current stalemate. Yet, there’s a twist in the narrative that might see Sneed achieving his stated desire of the past two years: staying with the Chiefs.
L’Jarius Sneed made some big plays as a Chief 🔥
(📹 @NFL)
— Let’s Chat Chiefs (@LetsChatChiefs) March 24, 2024
L’Jarius Sneed Return to Kansas City Chiefs
Amid the uncertainty, former NFL executive Randy Mueller, now with The Athletic, suggests that a compromise might be on the horizon. Given Sneed’s age, the risks associated with playing under the franchise tag, and the Chiefs’ current flexibility, Mueller posits that a three-year deal, with close to $40 million guaranteed, could be a win-win for both parties.
Such an arrangement would not only secure Sneed’s immediate future but also provide the Chiefs with some much-needed salary cap relief.
Currently, moving Sneed would free up $19.8 million in cap space, offering Kansas City approximately $27 million for additional signings. However, a three-year contract valued at around $60 million, with $40 million guaranteed, could offer the team a balance of financial flexibility and talent retention, especially if structured with signing bonuses and incentives to mitigate the cap hit.
As the NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the situation with Sneed and the Chiefs remains fluid. The draft, starting on April 25, could serve as a critical juncture in these negotiations, potentially paving the way for Sneed’s return on a new deal before the July 15 extension deadline for franchise-tagged players.
In the world of professional football, where loyalty often bows to financial pragmatism, L’Jarius Sneed‘s saga is a testament to the complexities of player contracts and team strategies. As both sides continue to navigate this intricate dance, the outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Chiefs’ aspirations and Sneed’s legacy within the franchise.
Source: Fan Sided
