The Kansas City Chiefs have used the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, with reports suggesting the Super Bowl LVIII champions are open to trading the 27-year-old.
Teams have until Tuesday to use the franchise tag on pending free agents, and the Chiefs have acted after failing to tie Sneed down to a new long-term contract this offseason.
Sneed enjoyed a fine 2023 campaign as the Chiefs retained their crown, not allowing a touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage all season until his team’s divisional-round win over the Buffalo Bills.
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The fourth-year cornerback then produced a stellar performance against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game, knocking the ball out of Zay Flowers’ arms just before he reached the end zone for what would have been a crucial touchdown.
On Monday, as the team confirmed Sneed would remain under contract for 2024 after being tagged, ESPN reported that the team are still open to the prospect of a trade.
Under the non-exclusive tag, Sneed can now talk to other teams with a view to them then agreeing a trade package with the Chiefs.
Elsewhere, the Chiefs are continuing to work on a new deal for Chris Jones, after general manager Brett Veach said retaining the All-Pro defensive tackle was “at the top of the list” last week,
We have placed the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on CB L’Jarius Sneed. pic.twitter.com/xF3XLjlqVk
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 4, 2024
