The Kansas City Chiefs have recently made a significant move by officially placing the nonexclusive franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. This decision allows Sneed to engage in discussions with other teams, potentially leading to a trade with the Chiefs. As per a source close to the situation, the Chiefs had informed Sneed of their intention to use the franchise tag on him and were willing to explore trade opportunities. Pending league approval, a new contract for Sneed could be negotiated as part of the trade, set to activate at the start of the upcoming league year.
If Sneed were to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, he would be entitled to a fully guaranteed salary of $19.8 million. This move comes ahead of the impending deadline for teams to leverage the franchise tag on impending free agents, which is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Chiefs’ general manager, Brett Veach, had previously expressed optimism about securing both Sneed and defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones, who had a contract dispute last season, eventually played out the remainder of his existing contract after some adjustments were made.
The Chiefs have been proactive in managing their salary cap by making strategic moves such as releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, which freed up approximately $12 million in cap space. Despite tagging Sneed, the Chiefs are currently left with around $3.5 million in salary cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. This indicates that the team might need to make further adjustments to accommodate their financial obligations, especially with key players like Sneed.
In the 2023 season, Sneed showcased his talent by delivering one of his best performances since joining the Chiefs as a fourth-round draft pick in 2020. He consistently matched up against the top receivers from opposing teams, with impressive results. Sneed limited receivers to minimal catches, with standout performances against the likes of Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite his strong defensive prowess, Sneed encountered a rare moment of vulnerability in the Chiefs’ divisional round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, conceding a touchdown for the first time all season.
Postseason Impact
Sneed’s contributions extend beyond the regular season, as he has proven to be a valuable asset in postseason play. In 13 playoff games, Sneed has recorded one interception and seven passes defended, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure. His pivotal plays, such as causing a fumble in the end zone during a crucial moment in the AFC Championship Game, underscore his significance in critical situations.
Overall, the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to utilize the nonexclusive franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed signifies their commitment to securing top talent and maintaining competitiveness in the league. With Sneed’s exceptional performance on the field and potential for further growth, the Chiefs are poised to capitalize on his defensive capabilities for the upcoming season and beyond.
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