NFL Rumors: L'Jarius Sneed Trade Talks Slowed by 'Challenge' of Agreeing New Contract

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to explore trade options for L'Jarius Sneed, the cornerback's desire for a long-term contract extension appears to be a sticking point in talks with other teams.

Per ESPN's Stephen Holder, trade talks are being slowed down by the "challenge" of Sneed and another club agreeing to terms on a deal that would facilitate a trade.

Even before the Chiefs used the franchise tag on Sneed, they gave him permission to seek a trade prior to the start of the new league year.

Kansas City did put the tag on Sneed, guaranteeing him $19.8 million for the 2024 season. There has been no indication at this point that the two sides are talking about a long-term deal, which suggests that he's likely to wind up being traded at some point.

While it's unclear exactly what type of deal Sneed is looking for, it's reasonable to assume he's looking at the contract Jaylon Johnson got from the Chicago Bears as a starting point.

Johnson, who was also given the franchise tag, agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract with $54.4 million guaranteed on March 7. His $19 million average annual salary ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.

Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers, Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns and Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins are the only cornerbacks who are currently making at least $20 million per season.

Holder mentioned the Indianapolis Colts as a team interested in Sneed. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston noted the Tennessee Titans are among the teams that have been in "active" talks with the Chiefs.

This offseason doesn't boast a particularly strong group of free-agent cornerbacks. Chidobe Awuzie has agreed to the richest deal—a three-year, $36 million pact with the Titans.

Kenny Moore is the only other free-agent cornerback who has received a deal worth at least $30 million. He agreed to a three-year deal to remain in Indianapolis.

Sneed, who turned 27 on Jan. 21, recorded a career-high 14 pass breakups last season. He has 19 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits and 10 interceptions in 57 regular-season games over the past four seasons in Kansas City.