The Kansas City Chiefs traded away Trent McDuffie this offseason and also selected a cornerback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, it appears they are not finished reshaping their secondary. This time, they could bring back a familiar face who helped deliver two Super Bowl titles.
Reports indicate that former Chiefs fourth-round pick L’Jarius Sneed visited Kansas City this past week. The team reportedly hosted him on Thursday, fueling speculation about a potential reunion. Among the remaining free-agent cornerbacks, Sneed may be the most logical fit for the Chiefs.
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Sneed won two Super Bowls and appeared in three during his time in Kansas City. After helping the Chiefs capture their second championship with him on the roster, the organization placed the franchise tag on Sneed during the 2024 offseason. However, much like McDuffie this year, contract negotiations failed to produce a long-term agreement, leading the Chiefs to trade him.
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) fumbles the ball at the goal line after a hit by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Kansas City dealt Sneed to the Tennessee Titans in a sign-and-trade agreement. Tennessee surrendered a third-round pick and signed him to a four-year, $76.4 million contract. Unfortunately for the Titans, the move never paid off as expected.
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Looking to bounce back
Sneed suffered season-ending injuries in consecutive years and failed to record an interception during his tenure in Tennessee. The Titans ultimately decided to move on this offseason, leaving him on the open market. That could change quickly, as his experience and versatility remain valuable assets. Ultimately, any deal may come down to opportunity and financial terms.
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During his first stint with Kansas City, Sneed served as a cornerstone of the secondary. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo deployed him all over the defensive backfield, taking advantage of his versatility. In addition to his coverage skills, Sneed became one of the league’s most effective blitzing cornerbacks.
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38)in the first half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Over four seasons with the Chiefs, Sneed recorded 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. His ability to impact games in multiple ways made him one of the NFL’s most complete cornerbacks and a major reason the Titans invested significant draft capital to acquire him. In coverage, he also totaled 40 pass breakups, 10 interceptions, and 303 tackles during his Kansas City career.
Will L’Jarius Sneed return to the Chiefs as Kansas City looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season?