Report: Vikings Have Expressed Interest in Chiefs CB L'Jarius Sneed

Sneed was tagged by the Chiefs but could still be traded.

Author:
Will Ragatz
Publish date:
Mar 6, 2024 2:47 PM EST

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The Vikings are one of a handful of teams who have expressed interest in trading for recently-tagged Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, according to Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY Sports. Despite Kansas City using the tag on Sneed, they can still look to negotiate a long-term deal or consider trading him.

As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs officially placed the franchise tag on cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. Sneed still has permission to seek a trade despite the designation. A person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have expressed interest in the Chiefs corner.

There are seven teams listed there, including the Vikings, so it's not like this is suddenly a likely possibility, even if Sneed ends up leaving the Chiefs (who would presumably like to keep him). Still, it's at least something to keep an eye on this offseason. If Kansas City can't work out an extension with Sneed, it could explore trading him instead of letting him walk after the season.

Sneed is set to make $19.8 million on the franchise tag in 2024. Any team potentially acquiring him in a trade would take on that full figure, and they may want to sign him to an extension to justify whatever draft capital they give up in a trade.

He's good enough to probably make that worth it, which is why it isn't surprising to see numerous teams reportedly expressing some interest. Sneed, 27, has been a stud for the Chiefs since they drafted him in the fourth round out of Louisiana Tech in 2020. In 70 games over four years (including 13 playoff contests), he's recorded 11 interceptions, 47 passes defended, five forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks, and 23 total tackles for loss. Sneed is a playmaker who shines in zone coverage and is highly effective as a run defender and blitzer.

Cornerback is a significant need for the Vikings this offseason. They bring back Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, and Akayleb Evans, but they could use a No. 1-type player who they can build around at that position. Even though he hasn't yet made a Pro Bowl, Sneed would fit that bill — although he won't come cheap.