The Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans pulled off a blockbuster trade in the middle of the night that will see star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed join the latter.
Sneed had been hinting at an exit for several weeks and was expected to join the Indianapolis Colts, so this development comes as a bit of a shock, especially to Colts fans.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the teams finalized a deal late Friday night.
Trade: Chiefs are finalizing a deal to send franchise CB L’Jarius Snead to the Titans, per league sources.
Chiefs are expected to receive a 2025 3rd-round pick, in addition to a 2024 7th-round pick flop, while Snead will sign a new contract. Trade is pending physical for Sneed. pic.twitter.com/GWjyKAgxZq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2024
The Chiefs used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Sneed earlier this offseason, which meant he could discuss deals with other teams but that any team looking to sign him would have to give up a pair of first-round picks, though the Chiefs could agree to accept a smaller package.
The Titans offered a 2025 third-round pick and a seventh-round pick swap for the upcoming draft, apparently enough to sway the Super Bowl champions.
According to The Athletic, the teams had previously held dialogue about the CB but couldn’t come to an agreement. The Titans have finally come out on top in negotiations while the Chiefs will save significant money that could allow them to strengthen for their three-peat charge in 2024.
Sneed Was Great With The Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Sneed in the fourth round of the 2020 draft and he has developed into one of the best CBs in the league over his four years with the team, having registered 10 interceptions and making at least two every season. He’s added four forced fumbles and 40 pass deflections.
The Move saves the team $19.8 million against the salary cap, which is significant for a CB.
Meanwhile, the Titans are expected to work out a long-term deal with the player following the trade.
