Following the departure of L’Jarius Sneed, the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes feel at ease: C
Sneed and the Titans agreed to a long-term contract.
A deal with the Tennessee Titans was ultimately reached after the Kansas City Chiefs decided to franchise tag standout cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
The Chiefs exchanged a 2024 seventh-round pick for a 2025 third-round selection in exchange.
The Chiefs, however, are in their usual rebuilding situation. Their steady success draws interest from other teams, which causes important players like Sneed to leave, especially when contract talks get heated. This pattern is reminiscent of past defeats, such as Tyreek Hill’s trade to the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs now have to make compromises, like letting go of Sneed, as Chris Jones was able to secure a big extension.
How will the Chiefs adjust to the loss of Sneed?
Chiefs Kingdom should find comfort in general manager Brett Veach’s clever draft, though, as he has a track record of discovering potential.
Although veterans like Justin Reid offer consistency in the defense, up-and-coming players like George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie show promise.Reid and McDuffie will now be expected to contribute more to Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive plan.
The Titans’ perseverance finally paid off as they were able to get Sneed. The Chiefs’ defensive backfield has changed significantly as a result of this deal, as seen by the updated depth chart.
The Chiefs will need to make targeted selections in the 2019 NFL Draft and presumably make more moves in free agency to close these gaps going forward.
Veach has demonstrated in the past that he can find talent wherever it may be found, which will help the squad stay competitive. The Chiefs can rely on Patrick Mahomes’ ability to make a difference even in the face of uncertainty, but they also recognize the continued need for deliberate team-building.
