The Kansas City Chiefs are making strategic moves to fortify their roster for the upcoming season, aiming for nothing short of a three-peat.
Amidst the celebratory echoes of their recent Super Bowl victory, reports have emerged revealing the franchise’s intentions to utilize the coveted franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs have informed Sneed of their decision, indicating a willingness to explore a trade if a long-term agreement isn’t reached.
The franchise tag would cost the Super Bowl champions an estimated $19 million.
This arrangement presents Sneed with an opportunity to engage with other teams while keeping the Chiefs in contention for his services in the 2024 season.
Pending league approval, a prospective trade could include a new contract for Sneed, underscoring the significance of this maneuver.
General Manager Brett Veach, speaking at the NFL Combine, shed light on the team’s strategy regarding key free agents, notably highlighting Sneed’s pivotal role.
Veach emphasized the challenges of managing a successful team, stating, “The more you win, the more you’ve got to pay players.”
With Sneed emerging as a cornerstone player, the Chiefs are poised to allocate resources strategically to maintain their competitive edge.
Sneed’s performance on the field has been nothing short of stellar, showcasing his prowess as a top-tier cornerback.
In the 2023 season, he demonstrated his versatility by consistently shadowing opponents’ top receivers, limiting their effectiveness.
Notably, Sneed’s standout performance against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game underscored his impact, culminating in a game-changing play that epitomized his defensive prowess.
Throughout his tenure with the Chiefs (57 games), Sneed has amassed impressive statistics, tallying 10 interceptions and 40 passes defended in regular season games.
His postseason contributions further underscore his value to the team, with one interception and seven passes defended in 13 playoff appearances.
