Rams Trade Idea: Could Chiefs Star Corner L'Jarius Sneed Be Offseason Target?
The Los Angeles Rams defense is not built to contend for a Super Bowl.
That’s not an indictment on the job general manager Les Snead has done or a referendum on the coaching staff’s performance. But there is work cut out for Los Angeles. Simply put, teams with poor secondaries that can’t compensate with an elite pass rush are going to struggle to stay afloat in today’s passing league.
The Rams will throw money and NFL Draft picks at the problem, but could they hit the trade market?
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) celebrates as cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) recovers a fumble against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) and wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) for a turnover during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The cap has its consequences, and sometimes that means trading away star players to keep the rest of a core intact. The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may have to go down that path as they look to win back-to-back-to-back titles. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will almost certainly be franchise-tagged, but a trade is on the table if an extension cannot be had.
According to Bleacher Report, Los Angeles is one of the teams that should be sending calls Kansas City’s way.
“If Sneed is available for a Day 2 selection, though, Senad and the Rams would be foolish not to consider him,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “LA’s playoff window is open once again thanks to ascending stars like Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Kobie Turner. …
“Improving a pass defense that ranked 20th in yards allowed last season would help the Rams maximize their current window. And Sneed is still young enough to remain a building block even after players like Donald, Stafford and Kupp are no longer around.”
Sneed has emerged as one of the league’s top corners and is on his way to a lofty extension – one Los Angeles can feasibly hand out. He also has the performance to back it up.
Sneed was graded as Pro Football Focus’ 26th-best cornerback (of 80 qualifiers), far ahead of the Rams’ leading qualifier last season, Ahkello Witherspoon (47th). Los Angeles doesn’t have a playmaker like him in their secondary. Only seven cornerbacks had more pass breakups to go along with his two interceptions. In coverage, he allowed the fifth-lowest passer rating against.
It’s worth noting that leading his positional peers in penalties (17) is a yellow light of sorts, and may ultimately scare the Rams off. However, there’s little questioning his potential to make plays.
Snead hasn’t committed to not trading his first-round pick, and there’s a good argument to be made that he shouldn’t deal it at all. But as picks get less valuable on the draft’s second day, it’d be hard not to hope the Chiefs accept a Sneed proposal.
