Getty Image / Lauren Leigh Bacho
The Kansas City Chiefs will head into the 2024 season looking for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat. And, it seems a lot more likely they’ll have one of their best players back in cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
The Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on their star on Monday. While this doesn’t guarantee that Sneed will be back in Kansas City next year, it does significantly increase the possibility.
The non-exclusive franchise tag allows players like L’Jarius Sneed to talk to other teams with the possibility of being traded there and getting a long-term extension. But, the Chiefs could refuse to trade the player, and pay him his franchise tag salary of just under $20 million next year.
Talks of a trade have floated around, with the Chiefs reportedly being interested in it. But, I don’t buy it. General manager Brett is one of the best in the business. He knows that this window with an offensive core of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and head coach Andy Reid calling plays is going to end soon with either a Reid or Kelce retirement.
Even if it hampers them down the road, it would make sense to hold onto Sneed this year and try to win yet another Super Bowl. I think that’s what this move is signaling that they want to do.
L’Jarius Sneed, who turned 27 in January, has played his entire four-year career with the Chiefs. He has turned into one of the league’s better corner guys and has the speed to run with nearly every receiver in the league.
He’s one of two important defensive free agents for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is also a free agent.