The New England Patriots have reportedly expressed interest in trading for a star Kansas City Chiefs cornerback this offseason. The Patriots are looking to improve the position group after cutting J.C Jackson last week following a dramatic 2023 season.
The Kansas City Chiefs have big decisions upcoming
Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs have their own share of drama this offseason, and most of it has to do with how they will juggle their star defensive players with their cap situation. The Chiefs have yet to extend defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Chiefs applied the franchise tag to L’Jarius Sneed last week but granted him permission to seek a trade.Ezoic
L’Jarious Sneed has a lot of interest from the league
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) against the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The trade market for Sneed is robust a week before free agency starts. According to Tyler Dragon with USA Today, the Patriots are one of seven teams that have shown interest in trading for Sneed:
“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. The person told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Both sides have until mid-July to finalize a long-term extension or until the NFL’s trade deadline to part ways via trade.
Sneed is one of the best zone cover corners in the NFL. According to Next Gen Stats, Sneed allowed no touchdowns and a league-low four yards per target while in zone coverage in 2023.”
Do the New England Patriots need Sneed over other areas?
Feb 8, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Sneed played a crucial role in the Chiefs Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers. He was one of the best cornerbacks in the league last season. Sneed would be a major help to an already strong Patriots defensive unit.Ezoic
While Sneed would be a beneficial improvement to the Patriots, one has to wonder if that’s the area New England should be focused on. The Patriots need to add weapons on the offensive side of the ball if they want to win even low-scoring games next season.