Chiefs Rumors: Kansas City Predicted to Lose $29 Million Starter
The Kansas City Chiefs can thank their defense for entering the bye week with a 7-2 record.
The Chiefs’ defense ranks second in the league in scoring defense and fourth in total defense, per the AP, helping propel Kansas City to another Super Bowl run.
While general manager Brett Veach would like to retain all his key defensive players, Bleacher Report‘s David Kenyon predicts the team’s shadow cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will be forced to “switch teams” after this season. The Louisiana Tech alum is midway through the final year of his $3.9 million rookie contract.
Spotrac.com projects Sneed’s market value will earn him a four-year, $29.6 million contract, which makes for a “complicated offseason,” Kenyon wrote.
“All-Pro pass-rusher lineman Chris Jones is headed for free agency, and he’ll be incredibly expensive. Kansas City has seen its defense without Jones, though, and it’s not great. Letting him walk could be devastating.”
The Chiefs are projected to have $51.6 million in cap space in 2024. Kenyon believes the Chiefs will prioritize paying All-Pro pass rusher Chris Jones, who’s expected to earn a $32 million salary next season.
“The issue is his price tag probably means the Chiefs will be unable to keep cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, too,” Kenyon surmised.
“He’s been a fantastic player in four seasons with Kansas City. But as a low-cost fourth-round pick in 2020, this contract is particularly important for Sneed’s career earnings. Sneed already has two rings and will be a top corner available. It’s only reasonable for him, entering his age-26 season, to put a little more emphasis on his salary if he so chooses.”
Throughout nine games this season, Sneed has recorded 38 total tackles, 10 stops, and one interception, earning an overall 77.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.
An uncertain future can weigh heavy on a player’s mind, but Sneed is keeping his head down and focusing on the game. “I don’t think about that,” Sneed told Forbes of getting an extension in Kansas City. “I’m just playing ball right now. That will take care of itself when the time comes.”
Sneed’s expectant pay day may get a boost if he can curb the penalties. He committed four during the Chiefs’ 24-9 loss to the Denver Broncos and another two against the Minnesota Vikings, including a $13,659 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct. But the defensive back isn’t worried about it.
“They got my name down,” he said of the officials. “I’m [an] aggressive corner and I’m going to keep being aggressive. They don’t like it.”
