The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to officially place the franchise tag on cornerback L'Jarius Sneed on Monday, according to various reports. Previous rumors indicated the Chiefs are open to a tag-and-trade scenario if a long-term deal doesn't materialize. Sneed is believed to be seeking a multi-year extension worth something in the neighborhood of $20 million annually, placing him in the top-earning tier of cornerbacks.
The Chiefs are also working toward a deal with defensive tackle Chris Jones. General manager Brett Veach is tasked with navigating the difficulties of the salary cap while continuing to field an annual Super Bowl contender. Multiple suitors have allegedly emerged for Sneed's services should he truly be available. We've identified three potential landing spots for Sneed via trade.
DETROIT LIONS
The Lions are still reeling from blowing a multi-score lead to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. If Dan Campbell's feisty squad is to take a step forward, improving their pass defense is of the utmost importance. After fielding some head coaching interest, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn returns to improve a leaky pass defense that allowed a 27th-ranked 247.4 air yards per game throughout the regular season.
Massive changes will be made to Detroit's secondary this offseason. Jerry Jacobs, Tracy Walker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are among their unrestricted free agents. More reliability and production are required at cornerback opposite Cam Sutton. The Lions currently possess four selections within the top 100. Some of those may be considered surplus after hitting on so many picks last year. General manager Brad Holmes has the ammo necessary to acquire Sneed through trade.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins are releasing veteran cornerback Xavien Howard. Designating Howard as a post-June 1 cut will save the Dolphins $18.5 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. It also creates a long-term hole at cornerback for new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
With Jalen Ramsey entering his age 30 campaign, the Dolphins desperately require some young blood to emerge at the position. Cam Smith hasn’t yet developed into a trusted every-down contributor. Becoming a more well-balanced team could help the Dolphins get over the hump.
Sneed just turned 27 and is entering the prime of his career. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier is never afraid to execute a blockbuster trade, acquiring Tyreek Hill, Ramsey, and Bradley Chubb in a similar fashion. Expect the Dolphins to at least kick the tires on Sneed's availability.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Would the Chiefs consider trading Sneed to the Eagles, who are perceived annual contenders themselves? Competing in the opposite conference would likely convince the Chiefs to hear the Eagles out. Philadelphia must inject ascending talent into their secondary this offseason if new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is to appropriately install his scheme.
The play of James Bradberry and Kevin Byard fell off a cliff throughout the 2023 campaign, particularly throughout the latter half of Philly's implosion. Byard has already been released in a cap-slashing move that freed up an additional $13 million in financial flexibility. That money must be put toward acquiring some solutions in the defensive backfield. Sneed would immediately become Fangio's No. 1 cornerback.
