It’s official: L’Jarius Sneed was traded by the Kansas City Chiefs to the Tennessee Titans. The Chiefs can now proceed with certain maneuvers.
The Chiefs need to replace a number of positions, including defensive end, running back, and left tackle, with the additional $19.8 million in cash.
But according to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, Kansas City may bring back a well-known player to assist in Sneed’s stead.
Steven Nelson, a cornerback that the Chiefs selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, is still a free agent. Nelson played with the Houston Texans for the previous two seasons and was instrumental in turning the team around last season.
In 2023, he racked up 63 total tackles, 12 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions. He contributed 12 total tackles, 3 passes defensed, and an 82-yard pick-six in two postseason games.
In 2018, the player that was cut by the Chiefs ended his career with 68 total tackles, 15 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions.
But after leaving, Nelson made some sharp comments about Kansas City, so before he could come back, the two sides would need to patch things up.
Nelson’s market worth is estimated by Spotrac.com to be $16.8 million for a two-year contract. But given his age of thirty-one, AtoZ Sports believes that a $7 million one-year contract would work.
Ballentine noted on March 30 that Nelson is “the best of the corners remaining on the market based on production.” “He contributed significantly to the Texans’ defensive performance in the previous campaign, allowing a quarterback rating of just 73.3 on 70 targets.
Before switching to DeMeco Ryans’ system in 2023, Nelson was a reliable starter in Lovie Smith’s defense in 2022. His versatility should make him a desirable choice for anybody searching for late-agency support.
The Chiefs of Kansas City may be searching for an experienced player who can assist in preparing a rookie for a more significant role.
For a Super Bowl contender, it might not be the best idea to rely on an inexperienced guy to replace L’Jarius Sneed.
Ballentine also mentioned the Chiefs as a potential signing for former Miami Dolphins CB Xavien Howard, who was cut due to cap issues, in the same piece.
His writing stated that Kansas City “stands out as contenders who could use another starting option at corner.”
The Dolphins will save $18.5 million against the salary limit by designating him as a post-June 1 release.
Howard was a valuable starting corner on the field. He had 13 start appearances, gave up only one touchdown, and had an 81.3 opponent quarterback rating when he was targeted.
He may not be the same performer as in 2020, when he recorded 20 passes defensed and 10 interceptions, but he is still more than capable of starting on the outside.
Earlier this month, ESPN expert Bill Barnwell declared that the Chiefs were the “best fit” to acquire Howard. Although the former $90 million star of the Dolphins was rather vocal about refusing to take a pay reduction, he is currently singing a different song.
In an interview with “The OGs” podcast, Howard stated, “I’d rather take a pay cut to go to a team that’s going to go further in the playoffs.” “I have my money and other necessary items.”
I’ll get right to it: how much cash do you actually require?
I always want to win the Super Bowl.
Avoid letting financial gain stand in the way of your Super Bowl victory. A Super Bowl is won by some people, and some people are compensated.
A few people engage in both. You are unique; you do both.
I want to win a Super Bowl today, but I also want to be different. Although I’ve already paid, I’m now anticipating watching the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs still have good depth at cornerback even without Sneed.
Trent McDuffie has two more years left on his $13.9 million rookie deal.
McDuffie had 80 tackles, 7 passes defensed, 5 caused fumbles, and 3 sacks in the previous campaign.
In the postseason, he added 12 more tackles, 7 passes defensed, and 1 fumble recovery.
Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson are also available for Kansas City.
But it’s not hard to imagine the Chiefs signing an affordable veteran following the NFL Draft. As things stand, it appears the Chiefs will prioritize filling other roster gaps with the money from Sneed’s trade.
