It Seems a Star CB Wants to Come to the Vikings

Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) is introduced against the Las Vegas Raiders prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings made a very strong coaching move by hiring Brian Flores.

Since then, the Vikings had a very strong season on the defensive end in 2023, and now, they are looking to build upon that result in 2024. It appears that a star CB in the AFC might want to be a part of it as well. That player is CB L’Jarius Sneed.

A Star CB Wants to Play for Brian Flores

Star CB
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Darren Wolfson of KSTP explained on SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd Show”, “There hasn’t been any movement on L’Jarius Sneed, but I’m told, all things relatively equal, he wants to play for Brian Flores. Like L’Jarius Sneed, the Chiefs cornerback, would love to be here.”

The cornerback was originally set to hit free agency this offseason, but the Kansas City Chiefs opted to franchise tag him. However, the team has also reportedly been interested in trading the defender in order to recoup some draft compensation.

Sneed, 27, has spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl in each of the past two years. In total, he’s recorded 303 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 40 passes defended, 10 interceptions, and four forced fumbles over 57 regular season games.

NFL: AFC Championship-Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) celebrates as cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) recovers a fumble against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) and wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) for a turnover during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

It became clear when both Mekhi Blackmon and Byron Murphy went down with injuries in 2023 that the Vikings didn’t have the firepower at cornerback to keep up with opposing offenses. Additionally, the Vikings defense came away with just 11 interceptions last year, which tied for 19th in the NFL. 

As a result, Minnesota is a landing spot that makes sense for Sneed. The Vikings have already signed Shaquill Griffin in free agency, giving them another veteran option in their secondary. Griffin has appeared in 89 games with 79 starts, and he has totaled 366 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack, 64 passes defended, seven interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Nov 12, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Shaquill Griffin (0) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

As of now, the Vikings employ nine players at the cornerback position:

  • Byron Murphy
  • Shaquill Griffin
  • Akayleb Evans
  • Mekhi Blackmon
  • Andrew Booth
  • NaJee Thompson
  • Joejuan Williams
  • Jaylin Williams
  • A.J. Green

Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.