The Detroit Lions made two high-profile acquisitions in free agency last offseason, but they didn’t quite receive the secondary upgrade they were hoping for. However, they might be prepared to make another major splash this offseason.
Following the injury-plagued seasons of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, who were both acquired last year in an attempt to improve the team’s underperforming secondary, the Lions may be targeting another elite defensive back, according to a new report. The Lions are the front-runners to acquire Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who is reportedly headed for the trade block, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
According to Fowler, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the cornerback position at the NFL Combine, with Sneed being considered one of the top options. If the Chiefs choose to let go of the fifth-year defensive back, the Lions might be among the front-runners.
“Multiple teams are believed to be in the mix for a tag-and-trade with L’Jarius Sneed, as we know the Chiefs are working on.” Fowler wrote. “The Lions are a team to watch because word out of Indianapolis is that Detroit is pretty set on adding a high-end corner.” Miami is also something to watch.
The Chiefs are already working on one part of the equation. reported on March 4 that Kansas City officially placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Sneed, paving the way for a potential deal. If Sneed signs the tender, he will be on a one-year deal worth $19.8 million.
Teichner reported that the Chiefs hope to keep both Sneed and defensive tackle Chris Jones on long-term extensions, though it could be costly. Sneed is coming off his best season since joining the Chiefs as a fourth-round draft pick in 2020 and regularly drew the toughest assignments, the ESPN reporter noted.
