The Kansas City Chiefs’ trade of L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans is officially official. Now the Chiefs can make some moves.
The Chiefs will use the additional $19.8 million in cash to address multiple positions, including defensive end, running back, and left tackle. However, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report expects that Kansas City will bring back a familiar figure to assist replace Sneed.
Cornerback Steven Nelson, who the Chiefs selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, is still available in free agency. Nelson has spent the previous two seasons with the Houston Texans, and he helped turn the organization around last year. In 2023, he had 63 total tackles, defended 12 passes, and intercepted four. In two postseason games, he recorded 12 total tackles, three passes defensed, and an 82-yard pick-six.
During his final season with the Chiefs in 2018, he has 68 total tackles, 15 passes defensed, and four interceptions. However, Nelson made critical statements about Kansas City following his departure, implying that the two sides would need to heal wounds before a possible return.
Spotrac.com estimates Nelson’s market worth to be $16.8 million over two years. However, given his age of 31, AtoZ Sports estimates that a one-year contract of $7 million would suffice.
“Nelson is the best of the corners remaining on the market based on production,” Ballentine stated on March 30. “He was a key component of the Texans’ defensive success last season, allowing a passer rating of just 73.3 on 70 targets.”
“Nelson was a consistent starter in Lovie Smith’s defense in 2022 before moving to DeMeco Ryan’s system in 2023. His flexibility to play several schemes could make him an appealing late-season free agent option.
“The Kansas City Chiefs might be looking for a veteran who can assist prepare a rookie for a larger role. They need to replace L’Jarius Sneed, and relying on an unknown guy may not be the best strategy for a Super Bowl contender.
In the same piece, Ballentine mentioned the Chiefs as a possible destination for former Miami Dolphins CB Xavien Howard, who was dismissed as a cap casualty. Kansas City “stand(s) out as contenders who could use another starting option at corner,” he said.
