The Kansas City Chiefs traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), a fifth- and sixth-rounder, and a 2027 third-rounder.
Why they made the move
The Chiefs are reordering the books this offseason, and this is a sign that they’ll make tough decisions after missing the playoffs and finishing with a losing record for the first time since 2012. McDuffie, a 2022 first-round pick, was set to play this season on his fifth-year option; the Chiefs apparently weren’t prepared to meet his asking price.
Meanwhile, the Rams had a glaring weakness in the secondary last season, and they aren’t the type to dip their toes in the water to get a temperature check. McDuffie could be the first big addition of the offseason, and they should be expected to address his contract.
Rams grade: B+
It’s a steep price to pay for McDuffie, who is largely viewed as an upper-echelon cornerback around the league. He has three career interceptions, 34 pass breakups and eight forced fumbles, though five came in 2023. The Rams have to believe the 25-year-old will increase those difference-making plays, assuming his next contract is worth around $25-30 million annually.
The Rams also have the No. 13 pick in the first round, so they’re well-positioned to make an impact, whether they stay and select or move back to recoup additional assets. The extra pick, acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2025 draft, allowed the Rams to get bold. McDuffie is better than any free agent on the market. This was a creative way to add a player during a time when fewer quality players seem to be making it to free agency.
This could be a sign the Rams will have an uptick in man coverage. Coach Sean McVay isn’t afraid to change his scheme to suit his roster, even though he’s typically favored zone coverages. They couldn’t match corners last season because of their personnel. We’ll see if there’s a pivot in 2026.
Chiefs grade: A–
The trade is a good value for McDuffie. Cornerback Sauce Gardner was moved for two first-rounders at the trade deadline, but he’s a better player than McDuffie.
Now, the Chiefs have the Nos. 9 and 29 picks of the draft, so they can even move up the board for an impact player if they choose. After a rare down season, the Chiefs have a chance to reload with high-quality young players — that is a scary thought for their competition.