The Kansas City Chiefs made their first big move of the offseason by placing the franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. However, their next move with the star defender reportedly could be complicated by a red flag that is popping up ahead of NFL free agency.
Kansas City is going to be very busy this offseason restructuring its roster and rewarding some of its core pieces with long-term deals. Optimism is growing on a long-term deal with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones and head coach Andy Reid is poised to sign a lucrative contract extension.
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However, the Chiefs also need to create significant cap space to keep their core intact and bring in more talent. Negotiations on a Patrick Mahomes contract restructure that would free up significant cap space and the release of wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling already opened up cap room.
Kansas City is still hoping that it can find a way to re-sign Sneed, but its use of the franchise tag was strategic. With Sneed unable to hit the open market, there are multiple NFL teams interested in swinging a trade with general manager Brett Veach to acquire the No. 1 cornerback. However, one issue may complicate matters.
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- L’Jarius Sneed stats: 14 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 56.2 QB rating allowed in coverage
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Sneed missed long stretches of practices this past season due to a nagging knee injury. With the medical process playing a role in trade talks and contract negotiations, this issue is expected to raise red flags for teams.
Importantly, information like this is typically used by rival clubs in an effort to suppress the trade market. The Chiefs already hold significant leverage with Sneed under the franchise tag, so floating medical concerns with his knee could potentially reduce his number of suitors and drive down the price of a trade.
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However, with the Chicago Bears poised to retain All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson, NFL teams in desperate need of a top-end cornerback are already facing limited options. Sneed also played at an extremely high level through this reported knee injury last season.
Ultimately, Kansas City should still hold enough leverage over its trade suitors for Sneed to acquire a Day 2 pick in exchange for the highly talented cornerback. If Sneed is moved, the Chiefs would be off the took for the entirety of his $19.802 million cap hit in 2024.
