L'Jarius Sneed in action for the Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans made a significant move this offseason, acquiring cornerback L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a third-round pick. This trade has paid off as Sneed has quickly risen in the ranks, solidifying his place as a premier defender in the NFL. A recent poll conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, involving NFL coaches, executives, and scouts, ranked Sneed as the fourth-best cornerback in the league.
This high ranking might come as a surprise to some, considering Sneed has yet to earn a Pro Bowl selection. However, his consistent performance and impact on the field justify his position among the elite. Notably, Sneed’s ranking places him above established stars like Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro.
Sneed’s 2023 season with the Kansas City Chiefs showcased his exceptional skills. He recorded 78 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 14 passes defended. This impressive performance solidified his reputation as a reliable and impactful player.
L'Jarius Sneed in action for the Tennessee Titans
The 27-year-old Louisiana Tech alumnus was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He became a full-time starter in his second season and consistently improved his performance year after year. In 2022, Sneed had a breakout season, amassing 108 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 11 passes defended.
Sneed played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories before being traded to the Titans. The Chiefs made the difficult decision to trade Sneed after placing a franchise tag on him.
The Titans have been incredibly active during this offseason, making several strategic moves to strengthen their roster. Beyond acquiring Sneed, they signed top wide receiver Calvin Ridley and highly regarded center Lloyd Cushenberry. They also added running back Tony Pollard and veteran receiver Tyler Boyd to bolster their offensive capabilities. Furthermore, the Titans drafted offensive tackle JC Latham in the first round of the NFL Draft.
These significant additions signal the Titans’ ambition to compete in the highly competitive AFC South. Sneed’s presence in the defense is expected to be a game-changer, enhancing the team’s overall performance.
The success of the Titans in the upcoming season hinges on the performance of second-year quarterback Will Levis. If Levis can deliver a solid performance in his sophomore year, the Titans have a strong chance of achieving a winning record in 2024. Sneed’s contributions on defense, combined with the offensive improvements, position the Titans for a potentially successful season. The team’s transformation and Sneed’s impact will be key storylines to follow in the 2024 NFL season.
