Kansas City Chiefs reportedly may let star defender walk in NFL free agency

Kansas City Chiefs reportedly may let star defender walk in NFL free agency

The Kansas City Chiefs became the first repeat Super Bowl champions in two decades, thanks in large part to one of the NFL’s top defenses. Unfortunately for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, Kansas City’s defense appears to be on the verge of losing one of its greatest players.

Kansas City’s pass defense has dominated opponents since the second half of the 2022 season, courtesy to a powerful pass rush spearheaded by All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones and excellent secondary play from cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed.

All three players are seen as critical components of Kansas City’s defensive success, with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo insisting that the team keep its core intact. However, with the increasing NFL salary cap and clubs desperate for impact defenders in a pass-happy league, it appears Spagnuolo will lose one of his top guys this offseason.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano previews the Chiefs’ offseason and explains why the Chiefs may ‘not want’ to sign Sneed to a top-of-market contract. In fact, the NFL insider stated that Kansas City has been preparing for Sneed’s exit in recent years and may be willing to simply let him go.

One concern for Kansas City is the franchise designation. Because of the contract incentives Jones received this season, applying the tag to him would cost more than $30 million guaranteed. also increases Jones’ chances of landing a long-term deal, but also makes it much more difficult to negotiate while still appeasing Sneed with a multi-year contract.

The NFL franchise tag for cornerbacks also costs more than projected. With the NFL salary ceiling ballooning in 2024, putting the tag on Sneed would cost Kansas City $19.802 million, fully guaranteed. While he excelled in coverage this season, the cost may prevent the Chiefs from keeping both studs.

Multiple teams have already expressed interest in Sneed in NFL free agency, and if he becomes available, a bidding battle is expected for the No. 1 cornerback. If he leaves Kansas City, the Chiefs would most certainly receive a third-round compensation pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and will need to find a No. 2 cornerback to start opposite McDuffie.

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