The Detroit Lions have focused on their secondary since the start of free agency, retaining one high-profile cornerback and dealing for another.
However, one insider believes that a more significant change is on the way. MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke said that the Lions are interested in Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who is slated to be traded.
As Meinke pointed out, Sneed is one of the best defensive backs left and has sparked significant interest from potential trade partners.
“The top of the market has thinned out after Jaylon Johnson signed a four-year, $76 million deal to return to Chicago, while L’Jarius Sneed got the franchise tag in Kansas City,” Meinke wrote. “But Sneed has been given permission to seek a trade, and seven teams have reportedly inquired about him. Among them? Your Detroit Lions.”
Chiefs Cornerback Would Fill Important Need in Detroit
Meinke noted that cornerback is one of the biggest areas of need for the Lions, who are still in need of a No. 1 corner. The team did make some efforts to address the secondary, bringing Emmanuel Moseley back for a second season after he suffered a torn ACL just two snaps into his first game with the Lions after having rehabbed another torn ACL that he suffered the previous year.
The Lions also gained depth in the secondary by dealing for Tampa Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis. Meinke noted that adding Sneed could
“The Lions need a true CB1 more than just about anything else, which would allow them to shift [Cam] Sutton to CB2 and flesh their depth out from there,” Meinke wrote in a blog post. “Moseley signed another one-year deal this week and will be given an opportunity to show he’s still the same guy that played great football out in San Francisco, but more additions are coming too.”
The Lions could snag a cornerback with their first-round draft pick, but Meinke noted that Sneed could be the best fit. It would come at a high price, as the Chiefs are likely seeking a first-round pick in exchange for their No. 1 cornerback.
Waiting on Decision From Chiefs
While the Lions are among the teams interested in Sneed, it is unclear how willing the Chiefs are to trade him. Destin Adams of AtoZ Sports said that the Chiefs have yet to inform potential trade partners whether they intend to move Sneed.
“The latest update I’ve received on the #Colts pursuit of L’Jarius Sneed: The Colts and other teams interested in trading for the talented CB are waiting on the #Chiefs to make a decision on if they plan on trading the CB at all,” Adams wrote in a tweet. “Many teams participating are hoping that an answer will arrive today or in the coming days. “Until then, it’s a waiting game.”
