The Philadelphia Eagles, led by general manager Howie Roseman, have a history of making significant investments to address roster gaps, and this upcoming offseason may follow the same pattern. Following a notable decline in the secondary during the latter part of the 2023 season, particularly evident in a postseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked by subpar tackling in the secondary, there is speculation that Roseman might pursue substantial changes to improve the team’s cornerback lineup.
One potential target for the Eagles in the early stages of free agency, beginning on March 13, is Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. ESPN’s Matt Bowen identifies Sneed as his top desired offseason move for the Eagles, emphasizing the need to upgrade the cornerback position. Bowen praises Sneed’s coverage skills and his ability to excel in Vic Fangio’s defensive system. Sneed’s standout performance in locking down the San Francisco 49ers’ receiving corps and contributing to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in 2023 further adds to his appeal.
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Sneed is anticipated to be a sought-after free agent, having limited opposing quarterbacks to a mere 55.9 passer rating and holding receivers to an average of 9.7 yards per reception, according to Pro Football Focus. With a history of bold moves, Roseman is known for his aggressive approach in reshaping the roster, having made impactful acquisitions like A.J. Brown, James Bradberry, Darius Slay, and others in recent years. Pursuing Sneed aligns with this proactive strategy, and the Eagles have the financial flexibility to accommodate a high-profile addition.
As free agency approaches, the Eagles are projected to have approximately $19.92 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap, before potential cap-saving maneuvers like restructuring contracts or releasing underperforming players. This financial flexibility positions them well for a significant move. On the other hand, the Chiefs, facing decisions regarding key players like Chris Jones and Sneed, may find it challenging to retain both due to financial constraints.
Sneed himself acknowledges the uncertainty, expressing a desire to stay with the Chiefs but acknowledging the practical challenges. If he enters free agency, Spotrac estimates that Sneed, at 27 years old, could command a four-year contract exceeding $65 million, making him one of the league’s top-paid cornerbacks. His value is evident in his impressive career statistics, including 303 total tackles, 10 interceptions, and 6.5 sacks in his first four seasons.
