While the Kansas City Chiefs would like to hold on to star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, if they do end up trading him in the next few weeks they could land a very good return due to a large market interested in his services.
Last week, it was reported that the Chiefs informed impending free agent L’Jarius Sneed they intended to use their franchise tag on the talented defensive back. The rumors around the team are that they will work toward locking him up to a new long-term deal. But with that likely being difficult to complete they are very much open to the idea of trading him in the next few weeks.
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Although the 27-year-old has not earned Pro Bowl honors yet during his four-year career, he was expected to have many suitors in free agency due to his development and being a major part of two title teams. Well, it seems the market for his services on the trade market is equally robust.
Earlier this week, The Athletic NFL insiders Nate Taylor and Dianna Russini reported that over the last few days “six teams have shown interest in acquiring Sneed.”
- L’Jarius Sneed stats (2023): 78 tackles, 2 interceptions, 14 passes defended
What could the Kansas City Chiefs land in a L’Jarius Sneed trade?
Five years ago, the Chiefs franchise tagged stud linebacker Dee Ford and traded him for a second-round pick when his value was at a peak after earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019. It has been speculated around the league that Sneed could fetch a similar return in a trade this year.
However, that was before it was clear what the market for his services was like on the trade block. Furthermore, cornerback is a premium position in today’s game and a player who has two Lombardi trophies on his resume brings a higher value. Even over a Pro Bowl linebacker.
While it is unlikely the Chiefs will get a first-round pick for Sneed, it isn’t completely out of the question from a team at the back of the opening round like the Detroit Lions or Arizona Cardinals. The most likely return could grow from just one second-rounder to two. This is still a fantastic return for a team again drafting at the back of the first round.
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