The Kansas City Chiefs are once again dominating the NFL, leaving rival teams scrambling to find ways to defeat them. One potential strategy for overcoming the Chiefs could involve weakening their roster.
In the 2023 season, the Las Vegas Raiders were the last team to successfully defeat the Chiefs, utilizing a strong defensive performance. Now, they could explore bolstering their roster while simultaneously weakening their AFC West adversary.
Star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is approaching free agency, and Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda provided some insight into his potential offseason prospects. There were discussions during Senior Bowl week that the Chiefs might consider using the franchise tag on Sneed, which is estimated to cost around $19 million. However, if he becomes available on the open market, it’s anticipated that Sneed could command a long-term contract averaging approximately $18.5 million annually, just below the franchise tag amount.
Should the Chiefs fail to secure Sneed’s services in the offseason, several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders, could vie for his signature. If the Raiders were to make a significant move for Sneed, it could pay dividends in their quest to challenge the Chiefs’ dominance.
The Raiders have a pressing need at cornerback, with Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones showing promise but lacking certainty in the No. 1 cornerback role. Amik Robertson performed well in 2023 but is now a free agent. Acquiring a top-tier cornerback like Sneed could elevate the Raiders’ secondary to elite status. Given the Raiders’ history of investing in cornerbacks under new general manager Tom Telesco and the defensive-minded approach of head coach Antonio Pierce, pursuing Sneed could be a logical move.
Slowing down the Chiefs, particularly star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is a daunting task. Sneed, having spent four seasons practicing and observing Mahomes closely, possesses valuable insights into the quarterback’s tendencies. His familiarity with Mahomes could make him a perfect fit for the Raiders, provided they are willing to make a substantial financial commitment.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Chris Jones, another standout free agent from the Chiefs, has expressed a desire to remain with the team for the long term. Despite speculation linking him to the Raiders, Jones emphasized his commitment to the Chiefs during the team’s Super Bowl parade, indicating his intention to pursue additional championship rings in Kansas City.
While Jones’ comments may have been influenced by the celebratory atmosphere, they underscore the Chiefs’ appreciation for his contributions. If Jones were to explore free agency, he could command a lucrative contract, but the allure of contending for Super Bowls with the Chiefs might outweigh financial considerations.
