Fresh off winning yet another Super Bowl, Kansas City Chiefs shutdown cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is set to hit free agency.
Sneed, who is one of the most underrated players in the NFL, took a major step forward this season.
Critics will chalk that up to him being extra motivated since he was playing in a contract-year, but it’s clear Sneed is one of the best defensive backs in all of football.
Having just turned 27-years-old, Sneed is entering the prime of his career and is sure to command a pretty penny come next month.
L’Jarius Sneed was a MENACE the entire playoffs 😤
pic.twitter.com/nUBe8fT6Pq— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) February 17, 2024
As great as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are, it was the Chiefs defense who truly led Kansas City on their Super Bowl run this year.
Sneed was a big part of that – as was fellow impending free agent Chris Jones.
Needless to say, there’s nothing Andy Reid (and certainly Steve Spagnuolo) would love more than to hold onto both of them as they attempt to go after a historic three-peat next season.
L’Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones after the Chiefs give them their new deals. pic.twitter.com/AZWZaUvrGZ
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) February 23, 2024
But what would free agency be without a little good old-fashioned cryptic drama???
That’s precisely what Sneed provided us with when he took to social media and posted a curious photo and caption which raised a lot of eyebrows around the league.
On his Instagram account, Sneed posted a photo of himself in a flying pose accompanied by an “eagle” emoji caption.
View this post on Instagram
Needless to say, the cryptic post led many to believe that Sneed is interested in joining the Philadelphia Eagles…
And let the L'Jarius Sneed to the Philadelphia #Eagles rumors begin 🦅 pic.twitter.com/euAfXlhHHO
— Laz🇱🇷🦅 (@Philly_Laz) February 24, 2024
The Chiefs, grappling with salary cap constraints, are expected to face challenges in retaining Sneed.
Coming off a career-year in 2023, Sneed’s value in the market has soared. Remarkably, he managed to keep opposing receivers out of the end zone throughout the entire regular season.
ESPN's Matt Bowen ranks L'Jarius Sneed to the #Eagles as his top offseason move he hopes to see in the coming weeks.
“Upgrading the cornerback position is an offseason priority in Philadelphia. With Sneed, the Eagles land one of the top veteran free agents, who has the coverage… pic.twitter.com/9EnMeIhXS6
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) February 17, 2024
As you would expect, Sneed’s interesting social media post caused quite a stir in the football world…
“Man he knows we need a shutdown CB1! And that’s exactly what he’s played like.”
Man he knows we need a shutdown CB1! And that’s exactly what he’s played like.
— Eagles827 (@BMode827) February 24, 2024
“Wow lucky he finna save the whole eagles franchise.”
Wow lucky he finna save the whole eagles franchise
— seeyuh (@wafffls) February 24, 2024
“Soooo we might have a decent secondary if we can get him. Then we got slay, Sneed, Rodgers the dude from the colts. Or also Xavier Howard is out there too. Bradberry is relegated to 5th string lol.”
Soooo we might have a decent secondary if we can get him. Then we got slay, Sneed, Rodgers the dude from the colts. Or also Xavier Howard is out there too. Bradberry is relegated to 5th string lol
— Jason Bailey (@greatness326) February 24, 2024
“The “L’jarius Sneed to the Eagles” rumor is gross.”
The “L’jarius Sneed to the Eagles” rumor is gross
— It’s Jodi Newsome (@ItsJodiNewsome) February 26, 2024
“Oh so we’re officially in Instagram checking season.”
Oh so we're officially in Instagram checking season
— Justin Ruffino (@EclispeDecay) February 24, 2024
“Sneed is an excellent corner, but after all the misses on top free agent corners, Howie needs to be 1,000% certain on fit … He’d have that with Surtain, if he wanted to offer what it took to land him+ pay him on top. With Sneed, it’s only money, but transition more in question.”
Sneed is an excellent corner, but after all the misses on top free agent corners, Howie needs to be 1,000% certain on fit.
He’d have that with Surtain, if he wanted to offer what it took to land him+ pay him on top. With Sneed, it’s only money, but transition more in question.
— Max (@GreaseThePoles) February 25, 2024
It’s important to note that Sneed to use the eagle emoji frequently. So, this whole thing could very well be just a coincidence. (Or more likely, it could be Sneed playing the leverage game.)
He uses that all the damn time. NO ONE WANTS to come to Philly. Players will come if the money is right, but no one WANTS to. Stop begging … it’s too damn early in the season and yall already begging.
— Djibril_Jackson (@JacksonDji39229) February 25, 2024
What are your thoughts on Sneed’s upcoming free agency?
Do you believe his post means he wants to sign with Philly? … Or is he just looking for a little attention? Or leverage?
How far should Kansas City go in their attempt to resign him? … At what point, contract-wise should they draw a line???