L'Jarius Sneed in a Tennessee Titans uniform.
The Tennessee Titans acquired cornerback L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs in a late April trade. Prior to the acquisition, other teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, were reportedly in discussions with the Chiefs but backed out due to concerns about Sneed’s health.
These concerns stemmed from reports of a knee injury that plagued Sneed throughout the 2023 season, limiting his practice time. SportsKeeda’s Tony Pauline reported that the knee issue was a significant factor in the Vikings’ decision to withdraw from trade negotiations.
L'Jarius Sneed in a Tennessee Titans uniform.
Despite these concerns, the Titans traded a third-round pick and subsequently signed Sneed to a lucrative four-year, $76.4 million contract. Sneed, however, has vehemently dismissed any worries about his knee.
“Ain’t nothing wrong with my knees,” Sneed stated emphatically, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport. He acknowledged past issues but asserted that he is currently in good health. Sneed’s participation in 98% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps last season further supports his claim, suggesting the injury wasn’t debilitating.
Sneed expressed confidence in his performance, stating, “I feel like I deserve to be the highest-paid off of my season I had last year.” He added that the contract worked out well for him, his family, and the Titans organization.
The 27-year-old cornerback had a standout 2023 season, recording 78 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 14 passes defended in 16 games. Notably, he did not allow a single touchdown throughout the entire season.
Sneed, a Louisiana Tech alumnus, was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kansas City placed the franchise tag on him before free agency, but it was widely anticipated that they would trade him, particularly after signing defensive lineman Chris Jones to a substantial contract extension.
The Titans are hoping for a healthy and productive season from their new star cornerback. Sneed’s ability to remain on the field will be crucial to the team’s defensive success in the upcoming season.
