Titans were reportedly 'really close' to making blockbuster NFL trade
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans have been connected to a trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed all offseason. But according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Tennessee was remarkably close to actually executing the deal. On a recent podcast episode of the “The Athletic Football Show,” Russini shared some details about negotiations between the […]
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans have been connected to a trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed all offseason. But according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Tennessee was remarkably close to actually executing the deal.
On a recent podcast episode of the “The Athletic Football Show,” Russini shared some details about negotiations between the Titans and Chiefs.
While the trade did not go down, the door to a deal does not appear to be completely closed. Especially after hearing just how serious the Titans' interest has been.
"I had my tweet up and ready to go because I really thought it was going to get done last week," said Russini on The Athletic Football Show. "The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts were really close on getting deals done. This was before the Calvin Ridley move was made by Tennessee."
Russini added that trade talks could be revisited as the NFL Draft gets closer. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Sneed get moved on draft night.
"I don't think all trade talks are dead involving Sneed for Kansas City. Do I believe that it's going to be Tennessee? I think chances are obviously smaller now. You have to be able to pay Sneed on a new contract because he does want a new deal and that does appear to be the hold up of trying to iron that out. The conversations are going to continue and if there's going to be more movement, we'll see it a little bit closer to the draft," said Russini.
If this were the Titans negotiating a contract with Sneed as an unrestricted free agent, I wouldn't be as concerned about paying top dollar for a top player at a position of need. But because Sneed would also cost Tennessee draft picks, I have some reservations about the Titans getting this deal done.
Does Sneed help this defense and fill a void? No question. But are the Titans in a position where they can afford to trade valuable draft picks and dish out a big contract for one defensive player? I don't think so.
This team still needs to find another inside linebacker. They need a safety. They could use depth at edge rusher and they do not have a starting caliber offensive tackle on the roster right now.
In my eyes, that makes a cornerback like Sneed more of a luxury than a need. It may not be the smartest thing to both trade a valuable pick while also needing to make him the highest paid corner in the league. Tennessee is probably just better off drafting a new cornerback at that point.
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