L'Jarius Sneed, the talented cornerback of the Kansas City Chiefs, has been officially placed under the nonexclusive franchise tag by the team. This move comes after weeks of speculation and discussions between the Chiefs and Sneed's representatives. The franchise tag allows Sneed to engage in talks with other teams, potentially leading to a trade.
For cornerbacks, the franchise tag is set at $19.8 million. This decision was made as the 2023 season marked the final year of Sneed's rookie deal. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Sneed remained focused on his performance, stating, 'The money's going to come.'
Sneed's dedication and hard work paid off during the 2023 season, where he excelled as the Chiefs' shutdown cornerback. Known for his aggressive style and physical presence, Sneed effectively neutralized top receivers throughout the regular season, including standout players like Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill.
His standout performance continued into the playoffs, where he showcased his versatility by briefly shifting to the safety position. Despite a rare lapse in the AFC Championship Game, Sneed redeemed himself with a crucial forced fumble that proved pivotal in securing the victory for the Chiefs.
Teammates and coaches alike have praised Sneed's contributions, with defensive lineman Chris Jones hailing him as having 'an All-Pro year.' The Chiefs' decision to use the franchise tag on Sneed underscores his importance to the team's defense.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs face the challenge of retaining both Sneed and Jones, who are both key free agents. General manager Brett Veach expressed the team's commitment to keeping both players and emphasized the priority of securing their contracts amidst the unpredictability of free agency.
As the offseason progresses, negotiations with Sneed and Jones will be closely monitored by Chiefs fans and NFL enthusiasts alike, eager to see how the team navigates the complexities of roster management and player retention.
