Most of the gang is set to return as the Kansas City Chiefs attempt to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to threepeat as back-to-back-to-back champions. But one player whose future is uncertain is star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
He’s helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls and has played in another, but now his contract has expired after playing out four years in Kansas City since becoming a fourth-round pick in 2020. The Chiefs, realizing Sneed’s value, placed the franchise tag on their 27-year-old starting cornerback. If he signed it, he would have earned $19.8 million in 2024, but he’d also be right back in this situation next year, seeking a new contract again.
Instead, there’s been a lot of trade chatter surrounding the 6-foot-1 cornerback. The Chiefs are already tight against the salary cap, and may not have the extra room needed to pay Sneed what he’s worth, so a trade may be the best resolution for all sides, and now there’s real momentum toward striking a deal.
According to Destin Adams of A to Z Sports, the Indianapolis Colts are nearing a trade for L’Jarius Sneed. A trade is believed to be very close, with the Colts expected to send the Chiefs a 2024 third-round pick (No. 82), plus an additional unknown selection in 2025.
However, other Colts reporters, namely Stephen Holder, suggest a trade may not happen with the Colts at all. The main holdup seems to be Sneed’s salary demands, which are still unknown.
- L’Jarius Sneed stats (2023): 78 TKL (5 TFL), 14 PD, 2 INT, 1 FR, 3 QB Hits
However, if the Colts strike a deal, they’re adding an impact player to their defense. Sneed ranked 30th among cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus last season, earning a 73.8 coverage grade, good for 29th among 126 players. He primarily plays as an outside cornerback, which works out well for the Colts’ needs.
The Chiefs were initially believed to be seeking a second-round pick for Sneed, but those offers never materialized. Plus, the Colts will still have to sign Sneed to likely one of the richest contracts for cornerbacks. However, landing the 82nd pick plus another selection in 2025 still offers the Chiefs a chance to improve their roster this offseason. Meanwhile, the Colts will be getting a new starting cornerback to pair with JuJu Brents and Kenny Moore III.
Related: Predicting NFL playoff bracket and Super Bowl 2025 winner