Image source: Vera Nieuwenhuis / Associated Press
The Kansas City Chiefs are sending All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for four draft picks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Sources told Schefter that the deal for Trent McDuffie includes the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a 2026 fifth-rounder, a 2026 sixth-rounder and a 2027 third-round selection.
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McDuffie is entering the final season of his rookie contract and is expected to sign a long-term extension with Los Angeles. The Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option on Trent McDuffie in April, fully guaranteeing his $13.6 million salary for the 2026 season, per ESPN.
The trade sparked immediate reaction across the league. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted “damn” on X shortly after news of the Trent McDuffie deal broke Wednesday.
For the Rams, adding Trent McDuffie fills a major need in the secondary. Earlier this week, general manager Les Snead said the team had done an “after-action review” and was exploring whether it could land “an All-Pro,” according to ESPN.
Now, that All-Pro is Trent McDuffie.
Cornerback was one of Los Angeles’ top priorities, with four players at the position heading into free agency. Bringing in Trent McDuffie gives the Rams a proven playmaker who can line up in the slot or on the outside.
The move also carries personal meaning for McDuffie. In August, while hosting a back-to-school event in Kansas City, he was asked which team he would want to join if he ever left the Chiefs.
With a smile, Trent McDuffie mentioned the Rams, saying he would like to play closer to his family in Southern California.
McDuffie is a Southern California native who played his senior year at St. John Bosco High School. He also has a connection with Rams passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake, who coached him at the University of Washington in 2019.
Even after trading for Trent McDuffie, the Rams still hold the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 draft. They acquired that selection after trading back with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2025 draft.
Los Angeles has rarely used first-round picks in recent years. Since 2017, the Rams’ only first-round selection came in 2024 when they drafted Jared Verse 19th overall, according to ESPN Research.
For Kansas City, this is the second time in three years the team has traded a top cornerback instead of handing out a massive extension. In 2024, the Chiefs traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, who later signed him to a four-year, $76.4 million contract.
Over the past three seasons, Trent McDuffie developed into one of the Chiefs’ most important defenders behind Chris Jones. His versatility allowed him to excel in coverage while also contributing as a blitzer.
Last season, Trent McDuffie recorded one interception, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and one sack. His best statistical season came in 2024, when Trent McDuffie posted career highs with two interceptions and 13 pass breakups, along with 59 tackles, four quarterback hits and one forced fumble.
Trent McDuffie also delivered in the playoffs. In 10 postseason games, he totaled 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach selected McDuffie as his first and highest draft pick after taking over in 2017. McDuffie was a key part of Kansas City’s pivotal 2022 draft class, which followed the blockbuster Tyreek Hill trade to the Miami Dolphins.
That group — including George Karlaftis, Isiah Pacheco, Bryan Cook, Leo Chenal and Jaylen Watson — helped build the Chiefs’ modern dynasty. Kansas City won back-to-back Super Bowls and returned to the championship game again in 2024, becoming the first repeat champion to reach three straight Super Bowls.
Now, Trent McDuffie heads west, and another major chapter begins for both franchises.
Meanwhile, Watson, Chenal, Cook and Pacheco are all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next week, signaling even more changes could be ahead in Kansas City.
FAQ:
Why did the Chiefs trade Trent McDuffie?
The Chiefs traded McDuffie to gain valuable draft capital instead of committing to a major long-term contract extension. Kansas City has made similar moves in recent years, including trading L’Jarius Sneed rather than paying a large deal.
What did the Rams give up for Trent McDuffie?
The Rams sent four draft picks to the Chiefs: the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Will Trent McDuffie agree to a new deal with the Rams?
McDuffie is widely expected to work out a long-term contract with Los Angeles following the trade. He is heading into the final year of his rookie agreement, which makes an extension a logical next step for both sides.
How much is Trent McDuffie set to earn in 2026?
The Chiefs exercised McDuffie’s fifth-year option earlier this year. His 2026 salary is fully guaranteed at $13.6 million.
Why did the Rams target Trent McDuffie?
Cornerback was one of the Rams’ biggest needs heading into free agency and the draft. The team had four pending free agents at the position and wanted to add an All-Pro-level defender to strengthen the secondary.
What are Trent McDuffie’s recent stats?
Last season, McDuffie recorded one interception, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and one sack. In 2024, he posted career highs with two interceptions and 13 pass breakups, along with 59 tackles.
How has Trent McDuffie played in the postseason?
McDuffie has delivered strong performances in the playoffs throughout his career. Over 10 postseason games, he has recorded 13 pass breakups, forced one fumble and recovered another, playing an important role in Kansas City’s deep playoff runs and Super Bowl appearances.
Does McDuffie have ties to Los Angeles?
Yes, McDuffie is from Southern California and played his senior year of high school at St. John Bosco. He also previously played under Rams assistant coach Jimmy Lake at the University of Washington.
How does this trade impact the Chiefs?
The trade signals more roster changes could be coming. Several players from the Chiefs’ 2022 draft class are set to become unrestricted free agents, and Kansas City now gains additional draft assets to reshape its roster.
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