4 Players the Chiefs Should Re-Sign Using Cap Space From L'Jarius Sneed Trade
By Cem Yolbulan
The L'Jarius Sneed saga in Kansas City is finally over. Unfortunately, it didn't get resolved the way Chiefs fans were hoping for as Sneed is headed to the Titans via a trade.
There is no sugarcoating how devastating a loss this is. Sneed has recently emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and at age 27, he is still in his prime.
However, there might be one silver lining to all of this. The Sneed trade removes his $19.8 million franchise tag off the Chiefs' books, giving them more cap space to bring back a few of their key players from last season.
With L’Jarius Sneed’s $19.8M franchise tag going off Kansas City’s books, they have more flexibility to potentially re-sign free agents such as Mike Danna and Donovan Smith.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 23, 2024
Here are the four names the Chiefs should prioritize re-signing with their newfound financial flexibility.
1. Donovan Smith
Perhaps the biggest hole for the Chiefs now is on the offensive line. Donovan Smith is a free agent and is still available on the market. Patrick Mahomes' blindside protector started in 12 games last season and should be at the top of the list for the 2024 campaign as well.
Second-year tackle Wanya Morris or another selection in the 2024 NFL Draft could potentially take Smith's place if he were to leave but that is a big risk given the lack of experience. Going from a two-time Super Bowl winner with experience of protecting Tom Brady and Mahomes to a virtual unknown is not something the Chiefs should be thrilled to do.