L’Jarius Sneed’s first season in Tennessee didn’t unfold as he or the Titans had hoped. After appearing in only the first five games of the 2024 NFL season, the veteran cornerback was sidelined by a quad injury that kept him off the field for the remainder of the year. Now, fully recovered, Sneed is focused on a fresh start and determined to make a stronger impact in his second year with the team.
“I feel great—healthier than I’ve been in a long time,” Sneed told NBC 6 News in an interview shared via reporter Buck Reising. “Last season definitely didn’t go the way I planned, especially being my first year in Tennessee. But I’m ready to show everyone the talent and work ethic that’s been building in me throughout this recovery. This is my career, my passion—I missed an entire season, and now it’s time to remind people who L’Jarius Sneed is.”
Sneed arrived in Tennessee last offseason after being traded from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs had initially placed the franchise tag on him, but ultimately sought to cut costs and found a trade partner in the Titans. Given his critical role in helping Kansas City win two recent Super Bowl titles, Sneed was expected to bring elite coverage skills and veteran leadership to a Tennessee defense that had finished the 2023 season ranked around the league average.
Unfortunately, those plans never materialized. Sneed was limited to just 23 tackles over five games. He did not record a single pass deflection or interception before his season was cut short. Without his presence, the Titans’ defense regressed significantly, finishing the year ranked 30th in points allowed and surrendering more passing yards than all but six other teams in the league.
Despite the disappointing year, the Titans chose not to overhaul the cornerback position during the offseason. Instead, the coaching staff and front office placed their confidence in Sneed’s recovery and his ability to bounce back. The plan is to give him another shot at becoming the cornerstone of a secondary that desperately needs stability and playmaking ability.
Prior to the trade, Sneed had built a strong résumé. Over his time with Kansas City, he recorded 10 interceptions, 40 passes defended, 6.5 sacks, and forced four fumbles. His versatility and aggressive playing style allowed him to be effective both in coverage and as a blitzer, making him a valuable defensive asset. Tennessee will look to utilize those same strengths as they attempt to elevate their defense and support rookie quarterback Cam Ward by limiting opposing offenses’ scoring opportunities.
The Titans’ 2025 season will rely heavily on key veterans like Sneed staying healthy and contributing at a high level. With Ward still developing under center, the defense will be tasked with keeping games manageable. Sneed’s experience and skill set could play a crucial role in that equation.
If he can stay on the field and return to his pre-injury form, Sneed has every opportunity to fulfill his goal of reminding the league of the player he is—and the Titans will need that version of him. Tennessee is betting big on a comeback, and if Sneed delivers, he could be one of the pivotal pieces in a team looking to rebound from a tough season.
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