Could L'Jarius Sneed Help Lions Win Super Bowl?
The Detroit Lions need to find help in the secondary.
Specifically at the cornerback position, the defense struggled to find reliable options in the defensive backfield. As a result, opposing teams were able to find success through the air.
There are good pieces in place for the Lions in the defensive backfield, but they could benefit from different roles. For instance, Cam Sutton has had a solid career as a boundary corner but struggled to contain top receivers.
Allowing Sutton to be the second corner and adding a bona fide shutdown corner opposite him could be a difference-making decision.
As a result, the Lions could elect to add a top player at the position in free agency as they look to take the final step toward reaching the Super Bowl.
The best player at the position currently set to hit free agency is L'Jarius Sneed, who had an exceptional showing in the postseason en route to winning a second consecutive Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs.
This winning pedigree is appealing, and would fit the mold that the Lions hope to continue developing. Adding a champion at a position of need would be huge for the organization.
Sneed was one half of a talented cornerback duo in Kansas City, as he lined up opposite of All-Pro selection Trent McDuffie.
The postseason allowed him to shine on a worldwide stage, and he forced a crucial fumble at the goal line against Baltimore in the AFC Championship game. Additionally, he allowed just two completions for 23 yards on four targets in the Super Bowl against the 49ers.
Over the course of the season, including playoffs, Sneed amassed a 72.5 Pro Football Focus grade and a 73.8 coverage grade. That coverage mark would've ranked highest on the Lions.
With the NFC North boasting some of the league's best receivers, including Minnesota's Justin Jefferson, Detroit will need to have a solid option out wide capable of shutting those receivers down.
The one area where this could become difficult is with the contract situation. Sneed, as a top cornerback, is expected to garner top-tier money on the free agent market.
PFF currently projects Sneed to command a contract of three years with an average annual value of $17.5 million. This would be a hefty commitment for the Lions, who just committed $11 million annually over three years to Sutton last season.
As a result, the Lions may be better served to examine the Draft for cornerback help. The class is deep at the cornerback position, and getting a talented player on a rookie contract would be more beneficial for the team in the long run.
Yet, the organization is entering its Super Bowl window and may be better served to spend and maximize the current situation.
The fact that several of Detroit's key players are up for extensions in the coming seasons make this difficult. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell are all extension eligible this offseason, and each will command a hefty deal.
If the Lions can find a way to navigate this and still manage enough cap space for one significant external commitment, they would be wise to make the move for Sneed.
His presence outside will be a huge asset, and his ability to handle top wide receivers could be a difference-making trait as the Lions pursue a Lombardi Trophy.
