The Kansas City Chiefs have holes in the secondary after both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson joined the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. The Chiefs eventually signed the versatile Kader Kohou this week, giving them a potential dark-horse starter in the secondary next season.
Nonetheless, the Chiefs still need more help in their cornerback room, which is why the idea of L'Jarius Sneed coming back is enticing. On March 13, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Tennessee Titans were releasing Sneed, saving them $11.4 million in the process.
With him hitting the open market and the Chiefs having holes in the secondary, this would be a reunion that benefits both sides.
Chiefs Should Consider Re-Signing L’Jarius Sneed
Back in 2024, the Chiefs traded Sneed to the Titans in return for a 2025 third-round pick and swaps of 2024 seventh-round picks. Upon his arrival there, Sneed received a four-year, $76.4 million deal with $51.4 million guaranteed.
Unfortunately, it didn't take him long to wear out his welcome.
Sneed dealt with quad and knee injuries, which forced him to land on injured reserve in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He only suited up in 12 games for the Titans during this stretch, logging 49 total tackles, three pass deflections, and allowing four touchdowns in coverage.
Yet before heading there, Sneed was one of the best players for the Chiefs' defense. Over four seasons with Kansas City, he had 303 total tackles, 40 pass deflections, 10 interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
His advanced statistics on Pro Football Focus painted a picture of how effective he was.
Season | Overall Grade | Coverage Grade | Run Defense Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
2020 | 72.9 (20th among 124 graded CBs) | 73.7 (22nd among 124 graded CBs) | 65.1 (59th among 124 graded CBs) |
2021 | 64.1 (59th among 120 graded CBs) | 62.4 (64th among 120 graded CBs) | 74.2 (23rd among 120 graded CBs) |
2022 | 76.1 (17th among 122 graded CBs) | 74.0 (26th among 122 graded CBs) | 68.4 (37th among 122 graded CBs) |
2023 | 71.1 (35th among 128 graded CBs) | 71.9 (36th among 128 graded CBs) | 70.7 (35th among 128 graded CBs) |
Not only was he making plays for this team, but he's also been trusted in the biggest moments. He has 13 playoff starts with the Chiefs, finishing with 75 total tackles, two sacks, and one interception.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knows what Sneed does well and would put him in positions to succeed. We also know that Spags doesn't like to trot out young players in the secondary, which is why getting Sneed makes sense. It would give the Chiefs a familiar face, and Sneed would get a chance to compete for a starting job after two underwhelming seasons. He may not get that same chance elsewhere.
Nohl Williams, Kristian Fulton, Kohou, and whoever else they add to the CB room will have to fight to earn the starting job this offseason. Nothing will be handed out, making this a great opportunity for Sneed to bounce back and show the NFL that he can still be a productive player.
Since Sneed has struggled in consecutive seasons, the price for a reunion likely won't break the Chiefs' bank. Bringing him back on a low-cost deal could benefit both sides, as they could use each other in 2026 and beyond.
Kansas City's CB room needs answers, and Sneed could give them a veteran option who's already excelled in this scheme.