Chiefs Named Candidate to Sign Former Texans $17 Million Starter.
The Kansas City Chiefs‘ trade to send L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans is finally official. And now, the Chiefs can make some moves.
With the extra $19.8 million in cash, the Chiefs have several holes to fill, such as defensive end, running back, and left tackle. However, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine predicts Kansas City may bring back a familiar face to help replace Sneed.
Cornerback Steven Nelson, drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, remains available in free agency. Nelson spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans, helped turn the franchise around last year. He recorded 63 total tackles, 12 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions in 2023. In two playoff games, he added 12 total tackles, 3 passes defensed, and an 82-yard pick-six.
During his final season with the Chiefs in 2018, he registered 68 total tackles, 15 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions. However, Nelson made pointed remarks about Kansas City following his exit, so the two sides would need to mend fences before a possible return.
Spotrac.com projects Nelson’s market value at a two-year, $16.8 million contract. However, due to his age, 31, AtoZ Sports suggests that a one-year, $7 million could do the trick.
“Nelson is the best of the corners remaining on the market based on production,” Ballentine wrote on March 30. “He was a notable element of the Texans success on defense last season, giving up a passer rating of just 73.3 on 70 targets.
“Nelson was a consistent starter playing in Lovie Smith’s defense in 2022 before transitioning to DeMeco Ryans’ system in 2023. His ability to play multiple schemes should make him an attractive option looking for late free-agency help.
“The Kansas City Chiefs could be on the lookout for a veteran who could help prepare a rookie for a bigger role. They need to replace L’Jarius Sneed and depending on an unproven player might not be the way to go for a Super Bowl contender.”
