KC Chiefs: 3 contract extensions that need immediate attention

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed

After establishing himself as the Chiefs’ top defensive back, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is key to the defense’s future. He just completed his third professional season, and Kansas City should be clamoring to keep him for much longer.

Sneed is not as flashy as other cornerbacks in the league, but that is not what defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo needs from him. In 2022, he led all NFL cornerbacks with 15 quarterback hurries, four sacks, and 101 combined tackles. He may not have been a lockdown coverage cornerback last season, but that jack-of-all-trades quality is not easy to come by in a cornerback. Spagnuolo expected that out of veteran safety Tyrann Matthieu during his time in Kansas City. After Matthieu left for free agency, Sneed performed his job at the same level or even more effectively.

Cornerback is a hard position to fill via free agency. That is why the Chiefs have focused plenty of draft resources on the cornerback room. but having multiple rooks start multiple games would have gone south for the Chiefs without Sneed. He is the glue in Kansas City’s defensive backfield. Sneed will likely command a sizeable contract on the open market, and that is not a contract the Chiefs will likely be able to afford. Sneed shouldn’t be handed a blank check, but Veach has to realize Sneed’s value to this team.