The Kansas City Chiefs had to make a decision regarding what they were going to do with the franchise tag as they have some quality players about to hit the free agency market. On Monday, the team officially made their decision. Adam Schefter is reporting that the Chiefs have officially placed the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
The official price tag on Sneed for the 2024 season is $19,802,000 and this makes a potential trade possible as teams know what his salary is. However, a trade will be a bit more difficult as it will need to involve compensation sent to the Kansas City Chiefs and likely an agreed upon long-term contract for Sneed.
La’Jarius Sneed has done well since being selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He has played 57 games and has 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 10 interceptions and 40 pass deflections. He also has two Super Bowl rings that makes him likely to increase his price.
While a long-term deal with the Chiefs is certainly not off the table, this begins the official chance for teams to begin calling the front office and figuring out compensation for the 27-year-old cornerback.
Should the Kansas City Chiefs trade La’Jarius Sneed?
The Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs were a solid defensive team last season with the secondary of L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie stepping up. However, the defense is set to lose some significant pieces due to free agency with three starting defensive linemen, including defensive tackle Chris Jones.
However, this is the smartest thing the Chiefs could do in this situation outside of agreeing to a long-term contract before the franchise tag. This locks Sneed into a deal for one year and gives the team the chance to shop him around now instead of letting him walk for free. While Chris Jones’ potential contract extension is likely going to be a larger sum, this locks down a cornerback to one year where they can get draft capital.
With the age and position, if Kansas City elects to trade him, they will receive more than if Jones was placed under the franchise tag. Expect to see teams pop up as potential suitors but the ball is in the Chiefs’ court.
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