The 2024 NFL free agency is just around the corner, starting officially on March 13. However, the legal tampering period starts two days before (March 11), and the franchise tag deadline is even sooner (March 5).
For the Kansas City Chiefs, the spotlight is on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Ahead of the deadline, the Chiefs officially placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Sneed on March 4. While a deal could still happen, so could a tag-and-trade. If the Chiefs do decide to trade Sneed, how much value could they get in return?
What Could the Chiefs Get in a Sneed Trade?
Despite winning back-to-back Super Bowls, the Chiefs still have a lot of work to do. While they need to make additions to the team, they need to keep their best players as well. That includes both defensive tackle Chris Jones and Sneed. With both commanding top-tier money, likely, they can only have one or the other.
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz last week, the team is prioritizing Jones over Sneed, hence placing the tag on Sneed. “Kansas City’s priority is to extend Chris Jones for now and they’ll see what happens with Sneed after.”
Now, it seems even more likely that the team favors Jones and ends up moving Sneed. “I’d guess — and this is just a guess — the Chiefs get something done with Chris Jones within a week,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said. “That will likely mean star corner L’Jarius Sneed gets traded.”
“Jones wants to stay there. Kansas City wants him around,” Breer said. “There’s been progress. I have to think there’s a common ground to be found on this one.”
The franchise tag is costing the Chiefs $19.8 million fully guaranteed if Sneed signs and plays on it. If the Chiefs were to trade Sneed, it would be to a team willing to give Sneed the high-value deal he wants. “I’d bet he fetches a second-round pick for the Chiefs and gets himself a deal worth more than $20 million per year,” Breer said.
Sneed was a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech. He’s since become a two-time Super Bowl champion and was a part of the PFWA All-Rookie team. In his career, he has 303 tackles, 40 pass deflections, and 10 interceptions.
KEEP READING: NFL Free Agency Rumors: Could the Defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs Look to Add Darnell Mooney?
Jones, on the other hand, is much more tenured. After being taken in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones has gone on to become a three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowler. He’s played every year of his career with the Chiefs.
Jones has 273 career tackles, including 75.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. At 29 years old, Jones’ market value is $28.4 million per year on a three-year, $85.4 million deal, according to Spotrac.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
