Because the Patriots had some of the most cap space to spend during the 2024 offseason, they were consistently connected to top free agents or players on the trade block all the way until the deadline earlier this month.
Besides the expected frontrunners that were expected to be trade targets for the new regime, like Brandon Aiyuk and Tee Higgins, they were also connected to cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, as the Chiefs were dangling him as trade bait at the height of free agency. He had been one of the best in the league, so pairing him with Christian Gonzalez would instantly give New England a top-tier secondary in the NFL.
It wasn't going to be cheap, which the Patriots had been historically, and whether or not that's why they didn't end up trading for him is unclear. But the Chiefs ultimately traded him to the Titans for a 2025 third-round pick.
It was a disappointing development for the fans who had hoped the Patriots would have another shutdown secondary like they have in the past. Fortunately, it looks like they avoided absolute disaster this season by not reaching a trade deal for Sneed, after all.
Patriots avoid disaster this season by not landing L'Jarius Sneed in offseason trade
Although adding Sneed to the roster would have been a great long-term investment, especially since he's only 27 years old and the Patriots cornerbacks, other than Gonzalez, have struggled in recent weeks, he has not played many games for his new team this year.
The news got worse for the Titans on Friday, as they had to place the cornerback on injured reserve due to a quad injury he suffered last month.
The #Titans are placing CB L’Jarius Sneed, who hasn’t played since Oct. 13 because of a quad injury, on Injured Reserve.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2024
This would have been a huge blow to the New England defense had Sneed been on the team. They have already dealt with several injuries to some of their best players, including Christian Barmore and Ja'Whaun Bentley, plus the absence of Jabrill Peppers. So, losing a star like Sneed would be the last thing they would need heading into the final stretch of the season.
While it's just this season that would be of concern if Sneed were on the team, the Patriots are trying to build a winning culture with the new regime in hopes of getting back to being competitive and enticing players to sign with the team next offseason.
If Sneed could not suit up and help the defense for most of the 2024 season, then that would be devastating for their underlying plan, on top of every other reason it would be a big blow to the season.