Chiefs Place Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on CB L’Jarius Sneed

Another team must part with two first-round picks in order to acquire the four-year veteran.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced they have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed on Monday.

It seemed as though Sneed, who just fulfilled his rookie contract, hoped to sign a lucrative long-term deal with the Chiefs this offseason. When speaking recently to Fan Duel TV host Kay Adams about the situation, all Sneed had to say was, “Pay me.”

Under the non-exclusive tag, Sneed is free to negotiate with other teams, but the Chiefs have the right to match any offer. If Sneed signs an offer sheet with another team and the Chiefs decide not to match, then Kansas City will receive two first-round draft picks from that team.

The last time a player switched teams under the non-exclusive franchise tag was 2000, when wideout Joey Galloway signed an offer sheet with the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks declined to match.

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed, keeping the cornerback from becoming an unrestricted free agent :: Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports

The 27-year-old Sneed made one of the most important plays of the Chiefs’ championship run this past season, forcing a fumble by Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers at the 1-yard line in the AFC championship game.

In 16 regular-season games in ’23, Sneed recorded 78 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.