Titans Score Big with L’Jarius Sneed Trade
In a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs traded star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 third-round draft pick. The teams also swapped seventh-round picks in 2024. This trade has raised questions about the Chiefs’ decision-making while positioning the Titans as potential winners.
Why the Trade Happened
The Chiefs had used the franchise tag on Sneed, indicating that a trade was always a possibility. However, it was unlikely that any team would be willing to surrender two first-round picks to sign Sneed under the tag terms. Therefore, a trade for lesser compensation was more likely. The Chiefs weren’t willing to pay Sneed among the top cornerbacks in the league, so they essentially let him go. On the other hand, the Titans saw an opportunity to bolster their roster and acquire a top-flight corner in a division with talented quarterbacks.
Titans’ Win and Future Prospects
The Titans have come out as clear winners in this trade. They have landed an elite player at a premium position by giving up only a future third-round pick. At just 27 years old, Sneed is entering his prime and is expected to make a significant impact on the Titans’ defense for several years to come. It is only a matter of time before they secure him with a long-term contract.
Additionally, the Titans have been active in building their roster this month. With the addition of Sneed, along with players like wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, linebacker Kenneth Murray, and some offensive line reinforcements, the Titans are clearly working towards accelerating their rebuild around their young quarterback, Will Levis.
Chiefs’ Questionable Decision
While the Titans celebrate their acquisition of Sneed, the Chiefs’ decision to trade him has raised eyebrows. Despite not being able to fit Sneed into their long-term plans, he would have been more valuable to the Chiefs on the roster during his franchise year. Furthermore, if Sneed had walked in free agency a year from now, the Chiefs could have potentially received a 2026 third-round compensatory pick. By trading Sneed now, the Chiefs have given up a season of his talent for a better third-round pick a year earlier. This decision may not make as much sense for a perennial Super Bowl favorite looking to sustain their dynasty.
The Chiefs will likely rely on their superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, to continue to elevate his game and compensate for any flaws on the roster. Mahomes delivered an exceptional performance last season and will be tasked with doing the same in 2024. Additionally, the Chiefs are counting on their defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, to work wonders with the defensive unit.
In conclusion, the Titans have emerged as winners in the L’Jarius Sneed trade, securing an elite player at a premium position for a relatively low cost. On the other hand, the Chiefs’ decision to trade Sneed has been met with skepticism, as it appears to have short-term benefits but may undermine their long-term success. As both teams move forward, only time will tell the true impact of this trade on their respective fortunes.