After helping the Kansas City Chiefs win two Super Bowls, L’Jarius Sneed has established himself as one of the most reliable players on Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. But now after starting 54 games across the past four seasons, it’s time for Sneed to get paid.
The Chiefs recognize Sneed’s value as an above-average cornerback capable of filling a key role on a championship team, and assigned the franchise tag, valued at $19.8 million. But so far there hasn’t been enough momentum on reaching a long-term extension, which has caused other teams to register interest in trading for the 27-year-old.
Last week it appeared a trade with the Indianapolis Colts was close, but ultimately, the trade seemingly broke down due to Sneed’s reported asking price on a contract extension. That doesn’t mean a Sneed trade is dead.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, it’s possible we see Sneed’s trade market heat up before the draft kicks off.
“Chiefs, the Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts were the three teams in early on him (L’Jarius Sneed). I’d say Detroit is less likely now after the trade for Carlton Davis, but the other two are lingering in the picture, and there’s no real urgency now to get something done. My guess would be things heat up on Sneed prior to the draft.”
Albert Breer on L’Jarius Sneed trade rumors
Talks have suggested the Chiefs would be open to accepting a second-round pick and change for Sneed. While reports suggest Sneed would “love to play” for the Vikings, they too may no longer be an ideal fit for the Chiefs, being that they’ve already sent their pick to Houston, and parting with No. 23 likely won’t happen until Minnesota secures their QB of the future either. In other words, the Vikings may not be an ideal suitor either, at least not until they gain more clarity on which picks they’ll be keeping and/or trading.
That leaves the Colts and Chiefs as the strongest remaining fits for Sneed, but that doesn’t mean other suitors may emerge, or already be lurking in the shadows.
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