Over the past couple of months, the Tennessee Titans’ offseason has been making waves with a series of aggressive changes.
The latest on this transformative trajectory relates to the acquisition of L’Jarius Sneed, a move that will significantly reshape the Titans’ defense.
Speaking at Sneed’s introductory news conference, Titans General Manager Ran Carthon highlighted that the new addition to the roster, along with free-agent signee Chidobe Awuzie, devises a dynamic duo that will form the core of their aggressive defensive scheme.
Titans GM Ran Carthon: Addition of CB L'Jarius Sneed ideal for aggressive schemehttps://t.co/uljTw6icMU pic.twitter.com/Hzq96eNh6W
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 3, 2024
“We have two corners now that are physical, that will put their face on people, set the edge and send it back to guys like Jeff (Simmons) and Kenneth (Murray) and all our guys coming in, running, chasing the ball,” Carthon said of Sneed’s addition. “That’s an impressive part of his game that I think really stands out.”
At 27, Sneed has already proven his mettle as an invaluable player. His impeccable skills of preventing the opponent’s score were on full display during Kansas City’s Super Bowl title run.
Notably, his forced fumble of Zay Flowers during the AFC Championship Game and his firm coverage in Super Bowl LVIII were highlights of his performances.
“It helps us tremendously out from a coverage standpoint on the back end,” Carthon said. “If you guys know Dennard and what he wants to do, I think the guys that we signed in Chido and LJ, I think they both fit what he wants to do from a coverage standpoint, and then having Roger (McCreary) here. Roger’s played outside, he’s played inside, so it gives us a legitimate top three out of the gate. We’re going to continue to add guys, and we’re going to expect guys that were here last year to step up and earn those other spots. But we’re bringing in scheme fits for what we want to do defensively.”
By trading a 2025 third-rounder and swapping 2024 seventh-round picks, the Titans have pinpointed Sneed as the perfect cornerstone for Wilson’s secondary unit.
“Once we get through the draft and see where teams have met their needs, because there are other teams that need safeties, I think you could take the safety market either way depending on who’s available at that time,” he said. “We’ve been well positioned and well thought out in our plan of still being able to attack post-draft — kind of like how we did with DeAndre (Hopkins) last year — to be in position to sign a player if we need to.”
Sneed’s expansive playoff experience makes him an exceptional piece in the revamped Titans’ defense.
