The market for L’Jarius Sneed, an exceptional cornerback, is heating up.
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to franchise tag the two-time Super Bowl winner (for one year and $19.8 million) and could trade him if a long-term contract is not agreed.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins may be interested in signing the defensive standout.
Detroit is a more desirable trading partner. According to Tankathon, the Lions have four picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, compared to the Dolphins’ two.
More crucially, the Lions have financial flexibility. According to Spotrac, they have $54.29 million in cap room, which ranks eighth in the NFL. Miami, meanwhile, is $28.48 million over the threshold. Sneed’s market value is a four-year contract at $16.3 million yearly.
Detroit’s secondary is one of the team’s major flaws. Last season, the Lions were second-to-last in the league in passing yards allowed (257 YPG).
Sneed would undoubtedly resolve this issue. According to Pro Football Reference, the 27-year-old allowed no receiving touchdowns and had a passer rating of 56.4, which was below average for the season. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the tenth-best free agent.
“Sneed was a fixture out wide in 2023 after lining up primarily in the slot over his first three seasons, and he held up quite well in several tough matchups,” according to PFF’s Brad Speilberger. “Sneed could stand to cut down on penalties, but his aggressive nature would be welcome on many teams, and his inside-outside versatility is a nice benefit, as well.”
Last season, the Lions emerged as a championship contender after winning the NFC North and advancing to the NFC Championship Game. To win their first Super Bowl, they must restructure their roster and make significant changes, such as trade for Sneed. As of Sunday, FanDuel ranked them among the top ten Super Bowl LIX odds.
