Vikings Showing Interest in Chiefs Top Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed

With the NFL’s new league year just one week away (March 13), the Minnesota Vikings front office is facing significant decisions. Whether it’s determining their next steps at the quarterback position or negotiating JJ’s contract extension, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has his hands full. But that hasn’t stopped them from checking in with the Kansas City Chiefs on one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

A recent report by Tyler Dragon at USA Today has revealed the Minnesota Vikings as on of a handful of teams who are interested in newly-turned 27-year-old L’Jarius Sneed. Drafted by the Chiefs the same year as Justin Jefferson (2020), Sneed has already secured two Super Bowl victories and proved himself as one of the best CBs in football.

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.

Tyler Dragon – USA Today

Dragon notes in his report that Sneed is seen by NextGen Stats as one of the best zone cover cornerbacks in the league, allowing just four yards per target and ZERO touchdowns while playing zone last season.

Minnesota Vikings interested in Chiefs’ L’Jarius Sneed

Sneed played college football at Louisiana Tech and he’s coming into his own at the perfect time. His rookie contract is now expired and L’Jarius wants to cash in on a life-changing contract. But the franchise tag allows Kansas City more time to shop him on the trade market or find common ground on a long-term deal.

Not only that, but the franchise tag completely shifts negotiating power between Sneed and the Chiefs. Instead of impending free agency hanging over the team’s head, it’s a franchise tag hanging over the cornerback’s head.

Related: Mike Florio Reveals Julie and Kirk Cousins as His Sources; Triples Down on Recent Reporting

Playing for $20 million this season, the cost of a franchise tag at the cornerback position in 2024, isn’t so bad though. In other words, trading for Sneed would hit the Vikings twice. They’d have to come up with the trade chips to entice the Chiefs AND pay him when he gets here.

Sneed Would Boost Vikings Defense

Nonetheless, the Minnesota Vikings are in dire need of cornerback help, and L’Jarius Sneed would be a life-changing addition for Brian Flores and his defense. With Akayleb Evans and Byron Murphy Jr. currently holding top spots on the depth chart, Sneed would immediately step into a CB1 role, pushing those two down into a slot where they look a lot better. A high end addition like Sneed could be the quick fix to a Vikings secondary that looked like it was on life support entering the offseason.

Related: Local Insiders Suggest PFT’s Mike Florio is Being Played by Kirk Cousins and His Agent

During his 54 regular season appearances, Sneed has tallied 10 interceptions and 40 passes defended, often tasked with covering the opposing team’s top wide receiver. He was ranked sixth overall on NFL.com’s list of the top 101 free agents and was ranked the #1 CB available before being franchise tagged.

What an insane play by L’Jarius Sneedpic.twitter.com/9thQSH9Vpt

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) January 28, 2024