Two of the Kansas City Chiefs’ top defensive players were set to become free agents going into the offseason. Keeping superstar Chris Jones was more important than developing cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was coming off of a career-best season.
With his five-year, $158.57 million contract extension, the Chiefs re-signed Chris Jones, making him the NFL’s defensive tackle with the highest average pay ever. Sneed agreed to a one-year, $19.8 million contract with the Chiefs on a non-exclusive franchise tag.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach stated that keeping both players was his “goal and intent” when he spoke to media at the NFL Combine last month. Sneed, though, was very clear that he was not taking a pay cut. This was his best chance, at 27 years old, to land the biggest deal he could. The Chiefs were unable to come up with a long-term agreement for Sneed with Jones locked in.
On March 22, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Kansas City had decided to trade Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. Jones sent a quick note to his old teammate after the announcement.
Sneed was acquired by the Chiefs in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and the 221st overall pick—the highest of the Titans’ three seventh-round picks—in a 2024 seventh-round trade. Sneed reached an agreement to sign a four-year, $76 million contract with a $55 million guarantee, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
This is why you have to keep Chris Jones. And he doesn’t have much of an ego. He’s by far the best DT in the league and he has a right to seek the money he got. pic.twitter.com/HWSfGM7RI7
— Arrowhead Live (@ArrowheadLive) March 23, 2024
Even though Jones’s departure is painful, Steve Spagnuolo’s defense served as the foundation for a legitimate attempt at a Super Bowl three-peat.
At the NFL Combine, Veach said, “He’s at the top of the list.” “I love you, Chris. We definitely want that person back, that we love him, and that we want to see him conclude his career here in Kansas City.
NFL Analysts Dispute Sharply About the Chiefs’ Original Decision to Franchise Tag L’Jarius Sneed
Trade: Chiefs are finalizing a deal to send franchise CB L’Jarius Snead to the Titans, per league sources.
Chiefs are expected to receive a 2025 3rd-round pick, in addition to a 2024 7th-round pick flop, while Snead will sign a new contract. Trade is pending physical for Sneed. pic.twitter.com/GWjyKAgxZq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2024
Chiefs Kingdom hoped Veach would find a way to extend Jones’ contract and re-sign him, but a trade always appeared likely. But most people thought the Chiefs would get at least a second-round pick in return.
There was much discussion about the Chiefs’ decision to tag Sneed in the first place after Kansas City agreed to accept a third-round pick.
Co-host of “3 Yards Per Carry,” Chris Kouffman, wrote on social media, “The Chiefs have been holding onto $19.8 million for Sneed’s franchise tag for a long time—money they couldn’t utilize in free agency. only to receive the same selection through the compensating system as they would have if they had just let him walk without a tag. Franchising Sneed had a disastrous backlash for KC.
Comp choices are not assured, though. Geoff Schwartz of Fox Sports wrote, “Criticize the Chiefs for what? In the trade, they lost out on their desired second-round pick. What a terror! They sign enough guys to negate comp picks, and this pick is superior than the comp pick, so the comp debate is pointless.
Many supporters expressed their displeasure, arguing that Sneed’s one-year tag was worth more than the player they chose to sign with the money. “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,” responded Brad Speilberger of Pro Football Focus. Actually, there wasn’t much to learn from the Patriots.
L’Jarius Sneed’s replacement is already under contract with the Chiefs.
The Chiefs already have a cornerback on the roster who is capable of starting, which is one of the main reasons they felt comfortable moving Sneed. Trent McDuffie’s two-year, $13.9 million rookie deal is set in stone.
McDuffie finished the previous season with 80 tackles, 7 passes defensed, 5 forced fumbles, and 3 sacks. In the postseason, he recorded an additional 12 tackles, 7 passes defensed, and 1 fumble recovery.
However, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams provide the Chiefs excellent depth at the position as well.
Prior to Sneed’s transaction, the Chiefs had $7.6 million in cap space. Kansas City may use the additional funds to potentially rejoin with two of their own free agents if the transaction is finalized. It is anticipated that Mike Danna, a defensive end, will be their “first call.”
