Moments After $12M Relief, Chiefs Splurge $19M on Franchise Tagging L’Jarius Sneed as They Prioritize Chris Jones

The Chiefs are making some bold decisions, and they’re doing it fast! It’s been hardly any time since the news of them releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling to free up their cap space; the Chiefs have dropped the franchise tag bomb. And L’Jarius Sneed is the recipient. This decision comes as Kansas City’s first big move in reshuffling their roster for the upcoming season.

Earlier today, it was reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the Kansas City Chiefs will be releasing the wide receiver, which saves them $12 million in salary cap space. This allows them to retain impending free agents like Chris Jones. It seems like the team has already taken a step in this direction.

L’Jarius Sneed to be franchise tagged

As reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs have decided to use the option of franchise tagging for the upcoming 2024 season. With a cost of around $19.8 million, cornerback Sneed will remain in the Chiefs next year. Schultz further disclosed that this decision comes with the plan to retain Jones. The team hopes to extend the tackle’s contract, which ends in March, after which he will become a free agent.

Sneed has proved his worth in the Chiefs after being drafted in 2020. It remains to be seen whether the cornerback and Chiefs will reach an agreement regarding the long-term contract. The team has a deadline of July 15 to come to a decision, and a draft is not out of the question. They might decide to trade Sneed for a rookie from the Draft, but they’re also well aware of Sneed’s value as a free agent.

Read This: How Does NFL’s $255.4m Salary Cap Affect Kansas City Chiefs? $30.6m Increase Could Be a Lifeline for Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The cornerback showcased a decent performance in 2023 after having a stellar season in 2022. Sneed boasts 223 solo tackles, 40 passes defended, ten interceptions, and 6.5 sacks. The news of the franchise tagging of Sneed follows another big decision of the Chiefs: to release their wide receiver.

All eyes on Jones after Scantling’s release

Scantling is set to be released according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, before his final year of contract. Scantling joined the Chiefs and has helped them win two back-to-back Super Bowls. The WR had 21 receiving yards, 315 total and 15 average yards in the 2023 season. Letting go Scantling saves Kansas City $12 million in cap space money, which they would want to utilize in acquiring impending free agents. L’Jarius Sneed is acquired, and next comes Chris Jones.

The Chiefs made it clear that Jones is their priority at the NFL Combine. The general manager had expressed the team’s intentions of retaining Jones and “want to see him finishing in its career here in Kansas City.”

“We’re gonna (move) just like last year, with Chris (Jones), and with LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) with a lot of our players,” Veach said at the NFL Combine. “You get a chance to meet the agents this week, and he’s at the top of the list. And I love Chris and tried really hard to get something done, and we didn’t.

Scantling’s entering the free market changed the already uncertain dynamics of this offseason. L’Jarius Sneed’s future is decided with the franchise tagging till he can reach a common ground with the Chiefs. With the fate of two important players sealed Jones could be the next big announcement from Kansas City.