The Kansas City Chiefs have bid adieu to cornerback L’Jarius Sneed by striking a deal with the Tennessee Titans in a late-night trade frenzy. The Titans were eager to embrace the footballer, offering him a lucrative new contract.
The Chiefs’ surprising development comes on the heels of strategic roster reshuffling by the Chiefs, securing key players like Chris Jones and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. However, Sneed’s departure leaves a notable gap in the Chiefs’ defensive lineup. Several free agents stand out as potential replacements for the young star.
Who are Chiefs targeting to replace L’Jarius Sneed?
The Chiefs find themselves in the market for a replacement for L’Jarius Sneed, and they have their sights set on several key targets to bolster their roster.
One potential candidate is Xavien Howard, who the Miami Dolphins recently released due to cap restrictions. The four-time Pro Bowler had a slight downturn in performance in 2023. However, he remains a top-tier cornerback, and his addition could fortify the Chiefs’ defense. Howard’s willingness to consider a pay cut to join a championship-caliber team makes the defending champion team an attractive destination.
Justin Simmons is another player the Chiefs are considering. The All-Pro safety is renowned for his adaptability and knack for making big plays. He has the ability to tackle one of the Chiefs’ limited defensive vulnerabilities. Simmons would be a valuable addition to the team’s secondary, thanks to his impressive interception skills and versatility in pass coverage and run support.
The Chiefs could also consider Odell Beckham Jr., whose explosive playmaking ability could bring a new dynamic to Patrick Mahomes’ already formidable arsenal. His performance with the Baltimore Ravens was somewhat subdued, but he still managed to achieve impressive stats, averaging 16.1 yards per reception last season. The chance to team up with Mahomes and vie for another Super Bowl championship could be a tempting proposition for the receiver, especially considering the attention he’s receiving from other strong AFC teams such as the Miami Dolphins.
How much do Chiefs save from L’Jarius Sneed trade?
The Chiefs were set to receive the Titans’ 2025 third-round pick and engage in a swap of seventh-round picks for 2024 in L’Jarius Sneed’s trade. However, recent updates provided by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer shed light on a more advantageous arrangement for the Chiefs. The Titans reportedly agreed to surrender their earliest seventh-round pick (221 overall) in exchange for the defending champion’s sole seventh-round selection (252 overall).
The trade also yields substantial financial benefits for the Chiefs. The team faced a tight cap situation with only $8 million in available space prior to the trade. However, the move to offload Sneed’s contract results in approximately $20 million in cap savings, via AtoZ Sports. This newfound flexibility alleviated immediate financial constraints and empowered the Chiefs to actively participate in free agency.
Sneed’s departure comes with the realization of his lucrative new contract with the Titans, valued at $76 million over four years, including $55 million guaranteed. This elevated status makes him the league’s sixth highest-paid cornerback.
