Texans Trade Idea: Could Chiefs Corner L'Jarius Sneed Be Dealt This Offseason?
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is one of the young stars the franchise can feel confident in as a building block. He was incredible against Cleveland Browns receiver Amari Cooper in the team’s AFC Wild Card Round victory and continues to establish himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the sport.
However, Houston’s defense is far from complete. Contributors at each level are set to be free agents in early March and the search for Stingley’s running mate has yet to complete.
If the Texans don’t love their options in free agency and the NFL Draft, could they pivot to 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
Bleacher Report thinks so, listing Houston as one of the teams best fit to trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.
On reputation alone, this checks the box as the type of talent the Texans would like to bring in. With adequate draft capital and more than enough cap space to make a move, they may flex their financial muscles to bring in a high-pedigree star like Sneed.
“Acquiring a budding star corner like Sneed would make a ton of sense for the Texans for a few reasons,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “For one, pass defense was the team’s biggest liability in 2023 – Houston finished the year ranked 23rd in yards allowed and 27th in net yards per attempt allowed. Secondly, the Texans could potentially lose cornerbacks Steven Nelson and Tavierre Thomas in free agency.”
To his credit, Nelson had a strong year in 2023. His veteran presence was frequently praised by head coach DeMeco Ryans and parlayed itself into four interceptions and six pass breakups. His time in the film room was evident in his zone coverage and his mark on the team’s younger defensive backs seemed to be invaluable.
If there’s a scenario in which Nelson can be brought back at a reasonable price, it would do Houston good to consider it.
However, Sneed is a different type of talent. A Sneed extension would certainly be more expensive, but teams pay for the type of production he provides. Four cornerbacks allowed a lower passer rating when targeted, and his ball production speaks for itself. In about 2,500 fewer coverage snaps, Sneed has just three fewer interceptions.
Perhaps there’s a scenario in which both are Texans by Week 1, although it would likely put Sneed in the slot.
“The Texans might have to offer their second-round pick (59th overall) to pry Sneed away from Kansas City,” Knox wrote. “The Chiefs didn’t face Houston during the 2023 postseason, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be eager to see an improved Texans team in 2024.”
Every team in the AFC has the same goal: take down Kansas City. If the Texans can acquire Sneed without the use of its first-round selection, they can feel confident that they made a dent in the Chiefs’ margin atop the conference.
With a quarterback as talented as C.J. Stroud and a competitive window opening so soon, it’s hard to ask for much more.
