The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in exchange for a package of draft picks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs will receive the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2026 and a third-round pick in 2027.
McDuffie, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, is expected to sign a long-term extension with the Rams. Kansas City exercised the fifth-year option on his deal earlier this year, guaranteeing his $13.6 million salary for 2026.
The move addresses a major need for the Rams, who entered the offseason looking to bolster their secondary with four cornerbacks set to become free agents.
McDuffie has been one of Kansas City’s top defenders over the past three seasons, often considered the second-best defensive player on the roster behind Chris Jones. Known for his versatility, McDuffie has played both nickel and outside corner, excelling in coverage while also contributing as a blitzer.
Last season he recorded one interception, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and one sack. His best season came in 2024, when he posted two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 59 tackles, four quarterback hits and a forced fumble.
The trade drew reaction from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who simply posted “damn” on social media after the deal was reported.
McDuffie, a Southern California native, played his senior year of high school at St. John Bosco and later starred at the University of Washington, where he was coached by current Rams defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake.
Kansas City selected McDuffie in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, part of a class that helped fuel the Chiefs’ recent success, including back-to-back Super Bowl titles and another Super Bowl appearance in 2024.
The move marks the second time in three years the Chiefs have traded a top cornerback rather than extend him, after dealing L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans in 2024.
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