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49ers star says the Chiefs ‘ain’t want me to leave’ while Andy Reid called ‘every day’

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The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the best-run organizations in the NFL, but they sometimes have to make business decisions that could see impact players leave.

After the Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs knew they were forced into a dilemma.

Defensive star players L’Jarius Sneed and Chris Jones were both heading toward free agency.

Brett Veach is forced to decide which defensive star is more valuable to the franchise

General Manager Brett Veach acknowledged that the team could not keep both players. However, their preference was to keep defensive tackle Chris Jones at all costs.

Out of fear that they could lose Sneed for nothing, the Chiefs placed the ‘non-exclusive’ franchise tag on the cornerback.

The version of the tag allowed him to speak with other teams and agree to a trade sheet. Despite being keen to remain with the Chiefs, the franchise could not afford both he and Jones.

Super Bowl LVIII - Winner's Portraits
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Therefore, the Tennessee Titans landed the 27-year-old. Chris Jones was made the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in NFL history, meaning they got value for Sneed and kept their three-time Super Bowl winner.

The Chiefs have been no stranger to a situation with this problem – trying to keep a star defensive back.

Chiefs lost Charvarius Ward due to financial issues with their limited cap space

Kansas City had to say goodbye to Charvarius Ward in 2022, after placing the franchise tag on him in 2021.

On the Up & Adams Show, the San Francisco 49ers star explained how the team did not want him to leave but money was an issue.

“I had a hell of a time in Kansas City. They ain’t even want me to leave. Andy Reid was calling me every day,” Ward said on the podcast.

“They didn’t have no money, they couldn’t pay me. So, I went to San Francisco which was a great fit for me. I love everything about Kansas City and I love everything about San Francisco.”

Ward is one of many star cornerbacks the Chiefs have developed over the years

Ward was named the starting cornerback for the Chiefs in 2020 and remained with that status for the 2021 season.

In his second season on the Chiefs roster, the cornerback defeated his current team in the Super Bowl LIV final.

Ultimately, the Chiefs have been the masters of developing world-class secondary talent. Furthermore, Steve Spagnuolo already has his CB1 replacement in Trent McDuffie for Sneed.

Additionally, their 2024 NFL Draft fourth-round pick Jaden Hicks will be another prospect for the Chiefs to nurture. Do not be surprised by Hicks becoming an All-Pro talent and one of the best defensive backs in the league, just like his predecessors.