What does life without L'Jarius Sneed look like?
If the Chiefs do move on from L'Jarius Sneed, what happens?
Keeping a Super Bowl core can be a challenge. The Chiefs have had to slowly change how they build a roster over the course of the last few seasons. They know nothing less than winning a Super Bowl since they’ve traded superstar receiver Tyreek Hill, using some of the draft capital they acquired in the trade to build an excellent defense that grew into its own last season when they needed it the most.
The Chiefs’ defense was headlined by players like Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed to lead a defense that carried the team for large sections of the season while the offense figured things out.
Despite early season drama surrounding their defensive tackle in which Jones held out, he peaked at the right time and made key plays during the playoff run. Sneed played his best football in a contract year, often asking and being granted the chance to follow top receivers.
Both are in line for paydays, and by all reports it appears the Chiefs are attempting to prioritize Jones in long term deal discussions. On Monday, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Sneed, a move that guarantees him nearly $20 million over one season. The Chiefs, however, have granted Sneed an opportunity to find a team willing to trade draft capital to Kansas City and give him a long term extension.
This seems like the path we are likely heading down. What would life without Sneed look like? Here are five things to consider if the Chiefs lose their should-have-been-All-Pro cornerback.