NFL Rumors: Two Teams Targeting Kansas City Chiefs Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed for Trade

The Kansas City Chiefs might part with one of their key players from their Super Bowl LVII-winning squad. According to Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans are trying to acquire franchise-tagged cornerback L'Jarius Sneed via trade.

On the L’Jarius Sneed front, I’m told the main sticking point has been Sneed’s asking price.

The Colts and Titans are two of the top teams trying to execute a trade, but Sneed’s price is too high, per source.

For now, Sneed remains in KC on $19.8M tag.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) March 16, 2024

Per Verderame, Sneed's demands on a new contract are the main impediment to a deal getting done. Presently, Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander is the league's highest-paid defensive back at $21 million per year. Sneed's currently owed $19.8 million on the franchise tag.

Sneed is a two-time Super Bowl champion and coming off his rookie contract, so he's due for a huge deal. He's also unusually old for a fifth-year player, having recently turned 27. This may be his last and best shot at a major payday, so it makes sense for him to make the most of it. The Chiefs' defense was their strength last year, finishing second in points allowed at 17.3 per game, and Sneed allowing a mere 56.2 passer rating on throws in his direction was a major contributing factor.

Even though cornerback performance can be volatile, there's no question that Sneed should help the Colts and Titans. The Colts finished 9-8 last year and were in the playoff hunt for most of the season, even with rookie quarterback and fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson missing all but four games. The Titans were a 6-11 squad, but they have a lot of new faces in place who could galvanize the organization, starting with first-year head coach Brian Callahan. Sneed would be an asset to either team.

As for the Chiefs, they can probably expect at least a mid-round pick as compensation for trading Sneed. That won't be enough to offset Sneed's loss in the short term, but they can't pay everyone. They've already locked up five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Chris Jones and taken a flier on wide receiver Marquise Brown. That's a successful offseason for a defending Super Bowl champion.