Image source: Stew Milne/AP Photo
The Tennessee Titans are preparing to release veteran cornerback L’Jarius Sneed after a difficult two-year run with the team.
The decision comes after a stretch filled with injuries, limited playing time, and off-field complications. Reports confirmed on March 13 that Tennessee plans to move on from the 29-year-old defensive back.
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Sneed was once expected to become a cornerstone of the Titans’ secondary. Instead, his tenure in Nashville ended up falling far short of expectations.
The move represents another step in the franchise’s ongoing roster overhaul as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season.
Titans’ Big Investment in L’Jarius Sneed Falls Short
When the Titans acquired Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2024, the move looked like a major upgrade to the defense.
Tennessee immediately backed that belief by signing him to a four-year contract extension worth $76.4 million, which kept him under contract through the 2027 season.
At the time, the deal placed Sneed among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
However, the investment never delivered the impact the team expected.
Over two seasons with the Titans, Sneed appeared in only 12 games, largely because of injuries. The lack of availability made it difficult for the defense to build consistency in the secondary.
Injuries Disrupt Sneed’s Time in Tennessee
Sneed arrived in Nashville already managing knee concerns. The Titans placed him on a load-management program, which limited his participation during the 2024 training camp.
Despite the restricted preparation, he still opened the season as a starting cornerback.
His performances in the first five games showed flashes of his talent but were inconsistent. Then a quad injury changed everything.
Initially, the injury was believed to be minor. But it eventually forced Sneed to miss the rest of the season.
During the offseason, he underwent a small procedure to address the quad issue. He also had minor knee surgery to correct the lingering problems he had when arriving in Tennessee.
Those setbacks delayed his return throughout OTAs and training camp in 2025.
Off-Field Situation Adds More Complications
In addition to injuries, Sneed dealt with an off-field matter connected to a 2024 shooting incident in Dallas involving one of his associates.
Authorities alleged that Sneed was present during the incident and failed to report it to police. The situation later led to an indictment and created unwanted attention for both the player and the franchise.
The issue added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging tenure in Nashville.
Another Injury Ends His Comeback Attempt
Sneed eventually returned to the practice field late in training camp and was healthy enough to appear in the 2025 season opener, though he played on a limited snap count.
By Week 2, he had resumed a full workload.
But the comeback didn’t last long.
During the Titans’ Week 7 loss, Sneed suffered another quad injury. The team quickly placed him on injured reserve, ending his season.
He never returned to practice or game action for the remainder of the year.
Across two seasons with the Titans, Sneed recorded:
- 49 tackles
- 3 pass breakups
- 0 interceptions
For a player once known for his versatility and playmaking ability, the numbers reflected a disappointing stretch.
Titans Begin Rebuilding Their Secondary
The Titans have already begun reshaping their cornerback room during NFL free agency.
The team added three veteran defensive backs:
- Alontae Taylor (formerly with the New Orleans Saints)
- Cor’Dale Flott (formerly with the New York Giants)
- Joshua Williams (formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs)
Taylor is expected to play a major role in the revamped secondary, while Flott could step in as a starting cornerback.
Meanwhile, Marcus Harris, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, remains the only returning contributor at the position.
Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. is also expected to depart after the Titans declined to tender his restricted free-agent contract.
Titans Gain Salary Cap Flexibility
Releasing Sneed will not come without financial consequences.
The Titans are expected to take on a dead cap charge between $8 million and $15 million depending on the release designation.
However, the move could also free roughly $11 million in salary cap space, giving Tennessee more flexibility as it continues to rebuild its roster.
L’Jarius Sneed’s time with the Titans will likely be remembered as a promising move that never fully materialized.
What began as a bold defensive investment turned into a difficult stretch marked by injuries, limited availability, and off-field distractions.
Now, as the Titans reshape their roster for the future, the focus shifts to their new-look secondary and whether the team’s latest additions can finally bring stability to the defense heading into the 2026 season.
FAQ:
Why are the Tennessee Titans releasing L’Jarius Sneed?
The Tennessee Titans are releasing L’Jarius Sneed after two difficult seasons that included multiple injuries, limited playing time, and off-field issues. The team also plans to reshape its secondary during the 2026 NFL offseason.
How many games did L’Jarius Sneed play for the Titans?
L’Jarius Sneed played only 12 games in two seasons with the Titans due to recurring injuries, including quad and knee problems.
What was L’Jarius Sneed’s contract with the Titans?
After trading for him from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, the Titans signed Sneed to a four-year contract extension worth $76.4 million, which was set to run through the 2027 season.
How much salary cap space will the Titans save by releasing Sneed?
By releasing Sneed, the Titans are expected to save around $11 million in salary cap space, although the team will still carry a dead cap charge between $8 million and $15 million depending on the release designation.
What were L’Jarius Sneed’s stats with the Titans?
During his time with Tennessee, Sneed recorded 49 tackles and three pass breakups. However, he did not register an interception while playing for the Titans.
Who are the Titans adding to replace L’Jarius Sneed?
The Titans have added several defensive backs during free agency, including Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott, and Joshua Williams, as part of their effort to rebuild the secondary.
Why was L’Jarius Sneed’s time with the Titans disappointing?
Sneed’s tenure was considered disappointing because injuries limited his availability, preventing him from becoming the elite defensive playmaker the Titans expected when they signed him to a major contract.
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