The Chiefs of Kansas City make a firm decision to hold onto their standout cornerback. L’Jarius Sneed

One of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, L’Jarius Sneed was essential to the Kansas City Chiefs’ two-peat title runs. As a result, the organization decided to designate the top defensive back as a non-exclusive franchise player rather than take a chance on losing him.

The Louisiana Tech product recorded 60 tackles, 18 assists, and 78 total tackles in his second-best season to date. He earned four yards on interception returns while stopping 14 passes and intercepting two. During the 2023 season, Sneed had a significant role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s plan.

Sneed was in the last season of the four-year $3.9 million contract he signed as a rookie. Although it had not been officially announced that there were negotiations between both parties, the team had already warned that if an agreement was not reached, they would use their non-exclusive franchise tag on the cornerback

What does the tag mean to L’Jarius?

A non-exclusive tag allows the player to listen to offers from other teams. However, the Chiefs will have the right to match any offer the player receives. If Kansas City decides not to match the offer, it will be entitled to receive the equivalent of two first-round draft picks from the offering team as compensation.

Conversely, Sneed will be eligible to receive an increase of 120% of his prior salary, whichever is higher, if he plays for the Chiefs in 2024 while carrying the tag. This will be the average of the five highest salaries at his position.

In 2024, a cornerback’s anticipated franchise tag value is $19.802 million. Both parties are able to negotiate a long-term agreement thanks to the label.

How the Chiefs handle the situation involving Chris Jones, their other top defense, is still up in the air. In addition to playing in 2023 on a one-year contract, the defensive lineman is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Kansas City will need to come up with another plan to hold onto Jones after deploying their franchise tag on Sneed. General manager Brett Veach stated that they would make every effort to retain both players, and he has already expressed his desire to remain with the organization.