In one of the more surprising trades of the offseason, one of the best corners in the league has a new home. Chiefs’ cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was traded to the Tennessee Titans late Friday night. In exchange, Kansas City receives a 2024 seventh-round pick and a 2025 third-rounder.
Many of us thought he would remain a Chief. But, that is no longer the case. Here’s how the trade affects both teams.
Kansas City Loses Its Top Corner, But Clear Cap Space
The Chiefs were able to bring back Sneed on the non-exclusive franchise tag this offseason. However, they did inform the cornerback that the tag would serve as a placeholder to help make a trade if no extension could be reached. That is the case here, as Kansas City and Sneed failed to agree to something that made sense for both sides.
Snubbed off the All-Pro team in 2023, Sneed was someone the Chiefs wanted to bring back. After all, he finished with a 71.1 PFF grade, which was among the best at the position. He also had two interceptions while holding quarterbacks to a 55.9 passer rating when targeted.
For now, Kansas City will roll with Joshua Williams and Trent McDuffie at the corner spots. But, the team was able to clear around $19 million in cap space because of the trade.
Tennessee’s Defense Continues To Get Better
The Titans already signed Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal this offseason. But, the addition of Sneed now gives them two solid and dependable cornerbacks.
Tennessee ranked in the middle of the pack in passing yards allowed (227.4). They should be dramatically better now with the two players they got in free agency.
Add in Kenneth Murray Jr at linebacker along with the formidable Jeffery Simmons at defensive tackle, and the Titans have solid players at every level of the defense to compete in the AFC.
But, at the end of the day, the Sneed trade allows the team to assign him against the opposing team’s top wideout. They will contend in the AFC South, which is more wide open now than we think.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out my podcast “Backup to the Backup” on Spotify and YouTube for more NFL content from me.
Featured Image: Ryan Kang/Getty Images
