NFL insider reveals likely cost for Kansas City Chiefs to re-sign L’Jarius Sneed in 2024

NFL insider reveals likely cost for Kansas City Chiefs to re-sign L’Jarius Sneed in 2024

L’Jarius Sneed, the Kansas City Chiefs’ cornerback, was important in the team’s repeat Super Bowl victory. If the team hopes to keep Sneed for a third consecutive season, it will come at a huge cost to the franchise in 2024.

Kansas City, like All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, was unable to sign their top defender to a long-term contract in 2023 because it was a contract year. With Sneed shifting to the outside in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, the rookie cornerback’s value increased as he shown his ability to be a No. 1 cornerback who shadowed top wide receivers.

This is exactly what Sneed did throughout his contract year. While he did not receive All-Pro accolades or make the Pro Bowl, the 27-year-old was widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive backs in coverage last season. After assisting Kansas City in winning the Lombardi Trophy and establishing one of the best NFL dynasties in history, the brilliant cornerback is set to cash in this offseason.

According to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, the Chiefs have two alternatives for retaining Sneed: place the fully guaranteed franchise tag on him for roughly $19 million or sign him to a long-term contract worth around $18.5 million per season.

There are advantages and disadvantages to either strategy. Placing the franchise tag on Sneed means that he will not be available for free agency in a year when many teams in the NFL are looking for a top cornerback. Not only that, but the tag allows Kansas City to postpone a long-term contract for a year, which might be advantageous given that the Chiefs could release offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor in 2025, freeing up $15.275 million in salary space.

However, with a franchise tag, Sneed’s $19 million salary in 2024 will go totally against the NFL salary cap, making re-signing Jones more difficult. If Sneed gets a multi-year deal, Kansas City can backload the contract with greater cap hits at the end of the deal to provide more immediate financial flexibility this offseason.

There is little doubt in the NFL that the Chiefs will be able to keep one of Jones or Sneed. However, whether or not the franchise tag is used and whether either player is ready to accept slightly less to remain in Kansas City may ultimately determine whether or not both impact defenders return.

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