Arizona Cardinals Projected to trade Chiefs L’Jarius Sneed

The Kansas City Chiefs made the strategic decision to utilize the franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed earlier this week, a move aimed at retaining the talented cornerback. However, there’s uncertainty surrounding his future with the team as Sneed has been granted permission to explore potential trade opportunities. Reports indicate that seven NFL teams have already expressed interest in acquiring him.

Among the interested parties are the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and Jacksonville Jaguars, as disclosed by USA Today. Each team has signaled their desire to add Sneed to their roster, recognizing his value as a cornerback.

For any trade to materialize, several factors must align. Firstly, Sneed would need to agree to a contract extension with the acquiring team. Additionally, the Chiefs would need to consent to the trade proposal, a negotiation process that hinges on various considerations.

The financial aspect plays a significant role in this scenario. With Sneed’s franchise tag amounting to $19.8 million against the Chiefs’ salary cap, their financial flexibility for the upcoming season is constrained. It’s plausible that the Chiefs are inclined to explore trade options for Sneed to free up cap space, which could be allocated elsewhere to address team needs.

Sneed’s stellar performance throughout the previous season further bolsters his appeal in the trade market. His impressive statistics, including 78 total tackles, 14 pass deflections, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery, underscore his impact on the field. He consistently neutralized top wide receivers, proving to be a formidable force in the defensive lineup.

Considering potential trade partners, the Arizona Cardinals emerge as a compelling candidate due to their pressing need for a standout cornerback. Their defensive struggles in the previous season, particularly evident in their ranking of 31st in EPA allowed per drop back, highlight the urgency to bolster their defensive backfield. Sneed’s ability to effectively shut down elite receivers, as demonstrated in previous matchups, aligns with the Cardinals’ defensive objectives.

In conclusion, L’Jarius Sneed’s franchise tag designation by the Kansas City Chiefs initiates a series of negotiations and considerations regarding his future in the NFL. With multiple teams expressing interest and financial implications at play, the possibility of a trade remains a viable option, with the Arizona Cardinals emerging as a potential suitor due to their defensive needs and Sneed’s exceptional skill set.