The Philadelphia Eagles could make a huge upgrade this offseason by signing Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, as James Bradbury’s contract is about to expire.
In the span of a single season, the Philadelphia Eagles defense went from being one of the most feared units in the NFL to among the worst. An aged secondary might also be mentioned, even though Sean Desai’s hiring to replace Jonathan Gannon will take some of the burden for that drop.
Given that Darius Slay and James Bradbury, the starting outside cornerbacks for the Eagles, are both approaching 30, and the latter’s contract is about to expire, it makes reasonable that many are predicting them to upgrade at that position this summer. Although the Eagles have addressed the issue in recent mock drafts, a fresh forecast has them making a big free agent deal.
According to a recent prediction made by ESPN’s NFL analyst Matt Bowen, the Eagles will sign current Kansas City Chiefs standout L’Jarius Sneed this offseason.
“Upgrading the cornerback position is an offseason priority in Philadelphia,” says Bowen. “With Sneed, the Eagles land one of the top veteran free agents, who has the coverage skills and ability to produce in Vic Fangio’s system.”
This offseason, the former Louisiana Tech cornerback, selected in the fourth round, has emerged as one of the best corners available. He began his career as a nickel in the slot then joined the Chiefs as a full-time boundary corner this past season.
Sneed increased his market value to $16.3 million a year, per the most recent Spotrac predictions, with 78 tackles, five for a loss, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions in 16 games. Based on that market assessment, Spotrac projects that Sneed will sign a four-year contract worth $65 million this offseason.
The question of whether Philadelphia can actually afford the 27-year-old cornerback is raised by this.
According to OverTheCap, the Eagles now have $19 million in cap space. But there’s always a chance to clear more space, such by agreeing to extend the deal of outstanding edge rusher Haason Reddick, which would free up an extra $11 million.
