Mar 04, 2026
3 min read
The Chiefs have agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Rams to send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles for four draft picks, including the 29th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, sources said.
The Rams and Chiefs have agreed to a trade that would send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles for a draft package that includes the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, sources told Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
Sources told Schefter that McDuffie, who is in the final season of his rookie contract, will sign a long-term contract extension with the Rams.In April, the Chiefs exercised a five-year option in McDuffie's contract, making his $13.6 million salary fully guaranteed through 2026.
In addition to the No. 29 pick, the Chiefs will receive a fifth- and sixth-round pick in 2026 and a third-round pick in 2027, sources told Schefter.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was one of several Kansas City players to react to news of the trade on social media, tweeting the "damn" X on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, when asked what he would like to add to the secondary this offseason, Rams general manager Les Snead said that after a "post-practice review," the goal is first to "come out, is there an All-Pro you can add?"
The cornerback was in high demand for the Rams entering free agency and the draft as they had four free agents waiting for the position.
In August, while hosting a homecoming event in Kansas City, McDuffie was asked what other team he would like to play for if not with the Chiefs.
"You're going to get me in trouble," McDuffie said with a smile." Let's think. If I could play for another team, I'd probably want to play close to my family, so that would probably be the L.A. Rams so my family could watch every game."
McDuffie is from Southern California and completed his senior year of high school at St.John's High School.John Bosco.He also played for Rams passing coordinator/defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake at the University of Washington in 2019.
The Rams still have one first-round pick (No. 13) after trading with the Falcons during the 2025 draft.
The Rams have made one first-round pick since 2017, when they took Jared Versa 19th overall in 2024. That's five fewer first-round picks than any other team between 2017-25, according to Research.
For the past three seasons, McDuffie has been the Chiefs' No. 2 linebacker behind Chris Jones.Whether lining up from the quarterback or the perimeter, McDuffie was exceptional in coverage and as an occasional tackle.Last season, McDuffie recorded one interception, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and one sack.
McDuffie's best individual season came in 2024;He recorded two interceptions and 13 interceptions, both career highs, along with 59 tackles, four quarterback hits and one forced fumble.
For Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, McDuffie was the first overall pick — and the highest draft pick of his career that began in 2017 — in the team's 2022 center class, which included two first-round picks after a blockbuster trade that sent receiver Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins.
The 2022 draft class — which included defensive end George Carloff, running back Isiah Pechko, safety Brian Cook, linebacker Leo Chennell and cornerback Jaylen Watson — further helped establish the Chiefs as the NFL's newest dynasty.The Chiefs won back-to-back Super Bowls and championships again in 2024.In the game, he became the first repeat champion to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.In 10 postseason games, McDuffie produced 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Watson, Chenal, Cook and Pacheco will become unrestricted free agents next week.
This is the second time in three years that the Chiefs have traded a shortstop instead of paying more.In 2024, Kansas City traded L'Jarius Sneed to the Titans.Now Sneed signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Tennessee.
