NFL Trade Rumors: L’Jarius Sneed Deal Hasn’t Been Discussed by Chiefs, Colts

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVMarch 18, 2024

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The Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts “haven’t had any conversations” centered on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

During an appearance Monday on The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter distanced the two teams after the Colts were reported to be a suitor for Sneed.

Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow”The Colts and the Chiefs haven’t had any conversations about L’Jarius Sneed..

As of right now that’s not happening”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/bQuATO2Tvn

The Chiefs applied the franchise tag to the 27-year-old, which guarantees him a $19.8 million salary for the 2024 season if he signs the tender. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the reigning Super Bowl champions “are open to consummate a trade off it if no long-term deal is reached.”

With $22.4 million in salary cap space, the Colts have enough flexibility to add Sneed at his current cap figure, though a multiyear deal — one that could lower his 2024 salary — would presumably accompany any trade.

Indianapolis gave Kenny Moore II a three year, $30 million contract to extend his stay with the team and solidify one of its two cornerback spots.

In Sneed, the team would be getting a clear upgrade over Dallis Flowers on the other side of the field. He’s coming off a year in which he finished with 78 tackles, two interceptions and 14 passes defended.

Based on Schefter’s report, any notion of him joining the Colts was premature, though, leaving one to wonder whether the franchise was used as a stalking horse to improve his leverage over the Chiefs.