Chiefs send franchise CB L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans

From Franchise Tag to Titans: The L’Jarius Sneed Saga

 

L’Jarius Sneed stood at the crossroads of his football career. The Kansas City Chiefs, the team that had molded him into a formidable cornerback, now faced a decision. The franchise tag loomed over Sneed, a tantalizing promise of financial security but also a potential roadblock to his aspirations. And then, like a sudden blitz, the Tennessee Titans entered the scene.

 The Trade

The Titans, hungry for defensive prowess, struck a deal with the Chiefs as per Adam schefter https://x.com/adamschefter/status/1771369568109273229?s=46. In exchange for Sneed, they offered a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and agreed to swap seventh-round picks in the 2024 draft¹.

CB L’Jarius Sneed, the 252nd overall pick, will go to the Titans.

Chiefs will receive a 2025 third-round pick and the 221st overall pick—the highest of the Titans’ three seventh-round selections.

The trade buzzed through the league like a well-executed flea-flicker play. Sneed, with his 78 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions in the 2023 season, was a coveted asset². But it wasn’t just his stats that intrigued the Titans; it was the promise of a new contract that would elevate him to the ranks of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history¹.

The Contract

Sneed’s desire for a lucrative deal had been the primary holdup in previous negotiations. Spotrac’s market value tool hinted at a multi-year contract with an annual average value of $16.3 million, placing him among the top cornerbacks¹. The Titans, flush with cap space, seized the opportunity. They inked a pact with Sneed, ensuring he’d wear their colors as one of their defensive anchors. The Indianapolis Colts had also courted him, but the Titans won the bidding war¹.

 The Rise

Sneed’s journey to this pivotal moment began in Minden, Louisiana. After playing wide receiver in high school, he committed to Louisiana Tech. There, he transitioned to cornerback, showcasing his versatility. His true freshman season saw an interception return touchdown in the Conference USA Championship Game. By his junior year, he was a permanent starter, and his senior season earned him second-team All-C-USA honors.

The NFL beckoned, and the Chiefs answered. Drafted in the fourth round (138th overall) in 2020, Sneed initially played wide receiver. But fate had other plans. During his rookie training camp, the Chiefs shifted him back to cornerback. In Week 1, he snagged his first career interception against the Houston Texans. His collarbone injury in Week 3 tested his resilience, but he returned stronger. A sack against the New Orleans Saints and another in the playoffs showcased his impact⁵.

 The Super Bowl

In 2022, Sneed’s star ascended. The Chiefs clinched Super Bowl LVII, and Sneed played a pivotal role. Seven tackles and two passes defended etched his name in championship lore. The confetti rained down, and Sneed reveled in the glory of victory⁵.

He will be missed by Chiefs supporters when he leaves the team. Given how important he was to the squad, they voiced their grief at this move. They wished him luck for his future endeavors in Titans Uniform.

Titans Territory

Now, in the Titans’ navy blue, Sneed prepared for a fresh chapter. Dennard Wilson’s defensive scheme awaited him. The Titans had long sought a legitimate No. 1 cornerback, and they believed they’d found their man. Sneed’s ability to allow the fewest yards per attempt (4.7) and consistently record interceptions and tackles for loss set him apart¹. The Titans’ faithful hoped he’d be the missing piece in their championship puzzle.

The young talent on the Titans team is poised to blossom and leave their mark on the NFL.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, L’Jarius Sneed stood on the precipice of greatness. The trade had reshaped his destiny, and the Titans’ faithful held their collective breath. Could he elevate their defense to new heights? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: L’Jarius Sneed was ready to write the next thrilling chapter in his football saga.