Why L’Jarius Sneed Is Still Frustrated with the Chiefs for Trading Him to the Titans
The trade of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Tennessee Titans sent ripples through the NFL. Known for his dynamic playmaking abilities and versatility in the secondary, Sneed was a key player for the Chiefs’ defense. However, this trade has left Sneed frustrated, as he has openly expressed discontent with the way Kansas City handled his departure.
Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Sneed quickly carved out a significant role with the Chiefs. His ability to cover receivers one-on-one, play physical at the line of scrimmage, and contribute on blitzes made him a valuable asset. Over three seasons, he became a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defense, amassing tackles, interceptions, and critical plays that contributed to the Chiefs’ success, including their Super Bowl-winning campaign. However, in a move that surprised fans and pundits alike, Kansas City decided to trade Sneed to the Titans as part of an effort to manage their salary cap and build for the future.
For Sneed, this trade wasn’t just about moving teams; it was personal. He had invested heavily in the Chiefs’ culture, establishing strong connections with teammates and fans. Sources close to Sneed report that he felt blindsided by the decision, especially given his substantial contributions to the team’s success. While players understand that the NFL is a business, the lack of communication and transparency leading up to the trade was a sore point for Sneed. He reportedly felt that his efforts and loyalty were undervalued by a franchise he believed he would be part of long-term.
From the Chiefs’ perspective, trading Sneed was a difficult but strategic choice. Faced with the challenges of managing the salary cap and maintaining a competitive roster, Kansas City opted to move him before his contract required a major extension. By trading Sneed, the Chiefs gained draft picks to invest in younger talent while freeing up cap space to prioritize other roster needs. Still, the decision stirred mixed reactions among fans who valued Sneed’s contributions.
Now with the Titans, Sneed is motivated by a mix of emotions—partly by frustration with his former team and partly by his competitive drive to excel in his new role. Tennessee has embraced him as a leader in their secondary, and Sneed has wasted no time proving his value in Nashville. His performances continue to show why Kansas City may have underestimated his impact. For Sneed, this new chapter is about more than just football; it’s about proving his worth and making the Chiefs reconsider their decision to let him go.