Chiefs $158 Million Star’s 2-Word Reaction to L’Jarius Sneed’s Trade

The Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs knew that two of their best defensive players were becoming free agents before the offseason began. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed had just finished the best season of his career, and it was crucial to prioritize keeping superstar Chris Jones .

The Chiefs then extended Chris Jones ’s contract by five years for $158.57 million , making him the defensive tackle with the highest average salary in NFL history. They also gave Sneed a one-year, $19.8 million deal through a non-exclusive franchise tag.

While speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine last month, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach stated that his goal was to keep both players. However, Sneed made it clear that he was not willing to take a pay cut. At 27 years old, this was his best opportunity to secure the largest possible contract. With Jones' contract now sorted, it became impossible for the Chiefs to negotiate a long-term extension for Sneed. ESPN’s Adam Schefter

revealed on March 22 that the Kansas City had agreed to trade Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. Following the announcement, Jones sent a short message to his former teammate. “@jay__sneed blessings brotha,”

Jones posted In return for Sneed, the Chiefs received a 2025 third-rounder, and as part of a 2024 seventh-round swap, they acquired the 221st overall pick, the highest of the Titans’ three seventh-rounders. on X.

Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz stated that Sneed agreed to a four-year, $76 million deal, with Although it's a painful farewell, it was crucial for the Chiefs to keep Jones, the backbone of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, in order to have a legitimate chance at winning a third consecutive Super Bowl. $55 million guaranteed.

At the NFL Combine, Veach acknowledged, “He’s at the top of the list. Love Chris… That’s certainly a guy we want back and love and want to see him finishing his career here in Kansas City.”

NFL Analysts Strongly Disagree Over the Chiefs’ Decision to Franchise Tag L’Jarius Sneed in the First Place

While Chiefs Kingdom held out hope Veach would figure out a way to re-sign Jones and extend Jones, a trade always seemed imminent. However, it was largely believed the Chiefs would get at least a second-rounder in the exchange.

After Kansas City accepted a third-rounder, a strong debate emerged over the Chiefs tagging Sneed in the first place.

“3 Yards Per Carry” co-host Chris Kouffman

posted, “Chiefs have had $19.8 million tied up in Sneed’s franchise tag all this time, money they couldn’t use in free agency. Only to end up getting the same pick they’d have gotten via compensatory system if they just him walk without a tag. Franchising Sneed backfired on KC badly.” However, comp picks are not guaranteed.

Fox Sports’ Geoff Schwartz posted, “Criticize the Chiefs for what? They didn’t get their preferred 2nd round pick in the trade. The horror! The comp discussion is dumb because they sign enough players to cancel out comp picks and this pick is better than the comp pick.” Several fans complained that keeping Sneed on the tag for a year was more valuable than whoever they sign with that money.

Pro Football Focus’ Brad Speilberger countered, “The $19.8M in cash/cap for 2024 (and not paying at all beyond 2024) is how Kansas City will sustain their dynasty for longer. We really learned nothing from the Patriots.” The Chiefs have already signed a replacement for L’Jarius Sneed.

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie played at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023.

GettyOne of the main reasons the Chiefs were comfortable trading Sneed is that they already have a high-quality starting cornerback on the team.

Trent McDuffie is under contract for another two years, earning $13.9 million as a rookie. Last season, McDuffie made 80 tackles, defended 7 passes, forced 5 fumbles, and got 3 sacks. In the postseason, he added 12 tackles, defended 7 passes, and recovered 1 fumble.

Sneed had 78 tackles, defended 14 passes, and got 2 interceptions in 2023. In the playoffs, he made 17 tackles, defended 3 passes, and forced 1 fumble. Together, they were possibly one of the best cornerback duos in the league.

However, the Chiefs also have good depth at the position with

Jaylen Watson Joshua Williams and The Chiefs had.

$7.6 million in cap space before Sneed was traded. Once the trade is complete, Kansas City can use the extra money to possibly bring back two of their own free agents . Signing defensive endis expected to be their top priority. Mike Danna Chiefs star Chris Jones sends a message to former teammate L’Jarius Sneed after his trade to the Titans was announced.first call.”