The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones in an effort to three-peat next season. However, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed continues to float in NFL trade rumors and the saga has taken another turn.
Reports surfaced early Saturday morning that the Chiefs were on the verge of trading Sneed to the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange, Kansas City would receive the 82nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft order along with additional draft compensation.
- L’Jarius Sneed stats: 14 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 56.2 QB rating allowed in coverage
Related: NFL defense rankings 2024
However, there are two prices to be paid for the NFL team acquiring Sneed. Not only do they have to part with premium draft capital to entice Kansas City to pull the trigger on a deal, but they also would need to sign Sneed to a contract extension.
After Sneed was franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, seven NFL teams expressed interest in the top cornerback. Because the Chicago Bears extended All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson, Sneed was the best defensive back available this offseason.
Related: 2024 NFL power rankings
- L’Jarius Sneed contract: $19.802 million salary in 2024
While Sneed is under contract for the 2024 season, owed $19.802 million fully guaranteed, any team acquiring him wants to ensure a long-term commitment. Sneed wants to become one of the highest-paid NFL players and the ability to negotiate with other clubs or break off contract talks gives him significant leverage and complicates a trade for Kansas City.
Will the Chiefs trade L’Jarius Sneed? Latest on trade talks with Colts, Titans
According to Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated, the “main sticking point” on a trade is Sneed’s asking price. Both the Colts and Tennessee Titans are two of the top NFL teams involved in negotiations with the Chiefs and Sneed. However, the cornerback’s contract demands are deemed “too high” right now by clubs.
As it currently stands, Sneed is staying with Kansas City. Verderame’s report backs up what ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported on Saturday. According to the Colts’ beat reporter, Kansas City and Indianapolis are not close on a trade and there’s a greater likelihood that a deal isn’t happening at all.
Indianapolis, Tennessee and other NFL clubs will continue to see if an agreement can be reached on a contract extension. While compensation in a trade with the Chiefs seems to be figured out, a deal will not be made unless Sneed signs a long-term deal. Otherwise, he’s expected to spend next season in Kansas City.
