Fans react as the game starts to slip away from the Lions during an NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions, 23-20, on a last second field goal.
Rumor: Detroit Lions Could Target L’Jarius Sneed in Free Agency
Detroit Lions Could Target L’Jarius Sneed in Free Agency
The Detroit Lions are known for their strategic approach to building a competitive team, especially when navigating the complexities of NFL free agency. With the off-season in full swing, a key area of focus for the Lions is bolstering their defensive backfield, specifically by adding a high-caliber cornerback to their ranks. According to some buzz coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine, the Lions could target CB L’Jarius Sneed of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Tag-and-Trade Scenario
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering a “tag and trade” scenario for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, a move that could significantly impact interested teams both in terms of draft capital and salary cap space. Such a strategy typically involves placing a franchise tag on a player, thereby securing rights to negotiate an extension, before trading him to another team. Given the Lions’ traditionally cautious approach to free agency spending, this move could potentially place Sneed out of their price range.
Detroit’s Interest in Sneed
Despite the potential financial implications, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Detroit Lions could be a serious contender for Sneed’s services.
“We know the Chiefs are working on a potential tag-and-trade with L’Jarius Sneed, and multiple teams are believed to be in the mix there,” Fowler noted. “The word out of Indy is that Detroit is pretty set on adding a high-end corner, so the Lions are one to watch.”
This indicates a strong interest from the Lions in securing a top-tier cornerback to address their defensive needs.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions‘ potential pursuit of L’Jarius Sneed underscores GM Brad Holmes‘ commitment to proactively addressing team needs through free agency, rather than solely relying on the NFL Draft. While the tag-and-trade dynamics introduced by the Kansas City Chiefs could complicate negotiations, the Lions’ clear demand for a premier cornerback may motivate them to navigate these challenges. As the free agency period progresses, all eyes will be on Detroit to see if they can secure a deal for Sneed, signaling their determination to enhance their defensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
