The brutal truth of the offseason draws closer as the Kansas City Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls and the confetti falls.
Whether the Chiefs can afford to keep cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is one of the hardest decisions the team must make. Sneed is anticipated to sign a four-year, $65 million contract this offseason, per Spotrac.com.
Right now, it doesn’t seem like the Chiefs will be able to retain Sneed and standout defensive tackle Chris Jones. “Re-signing free agents Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed seems ambitious, so Kansas City should prioritize one and go from there,” said ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Let’s start with Jones since he is the foundation of the entire pass rush.
Sneed won’t struggle in free agency after leading the Chiefs in interceptions and passes defensed this season. NFL analyst Matt Bowen believes Sneed will sign with Travis Kelce’s brother’s team, the Philadelphia Eagles, if Kansas City gives Jones priority.
According to Bowen, “Upgrading the cornerback position is an offseason priority in Philadelphia.” “The Eagles acquire one of the best veteran free agents in Sneed, who can contribute to the team’s success in Vic Fangio’s system and excels at covering.”
Sneed might be able to stay in Kansas City if he can sign with the Eagles, who are also a Super Bowl candidate.
With 19 unrestricted free agents still pending, the Chiefs have $22.6 million in salary space, according Spotrac.com. General manager of the Chiefs Brett Veach cannot afford to keep every player, even with the anticipated increase in the league cap.
Jones is expected to sign a free agent contract worth $85.4 million for three years. The price of a franchise tag would be about $32 million. ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicts that Jones, the “Chiefs’ second-most important player,” will stick with his contract even though it is severely impacting the wage cap.
Graziano added, “I can’t help but think they need to find a way to keep him there his whole career.” “I won’t advise a man not to go receive his money, and it’s good for Jones if he wants to take advantage of this contract’s maximum amount and go somewhere else to accomplish it. However, he is performing at a level worthy of the Hall of Fame in Kansas City, so it would be beneficial if Jones and the Chiefs could continue their partnership.
