Chiefs Trade Trent McDuffie to Rams for Multiple Draft Picks

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to trade star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for multiple draft picks, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been finalized as of Wednesday. Under the terms of the proposed agreement, the Kansas City Chiefs would receive the 29th overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, along with fifth- and sixth-round picks this year and a third-round pick in next year’s draft.

For Los Angeles, the move directly addresses one of the most pressing weaknesses on its roster. The Rams finished 19th in the NFL in pass defense last season, a performance that contrasted sharply with the team’s strong defensive front and high-powered offense. Adding an elite cornerback like McDuffie is expected to significantly strengthen the secondary as the franchise looks to remain among the NFC’s top contenders.

McDuffie has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most versatile defensive backs. During his four seasons with Kansas City, he played a key role in the team’s defensive success and helped the Chiefs capture two Super Bowl titles. Known for his tight coverage, aggressive tackling and ability to pressure quarterbacks, McDuffie was named a first-team All-Pro slot cornerback in 2023 and earned second-team honors in 2024.

The former first-round pick in 2022 is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to earn $13.6 million this season. While the Rams are taking on that contract, the organization is widely expected to pursue a long-term extension once the trade becomes official.

Kansas City’s decision to move McDuffie reflects ongoing salary-cap challenges. The Chiefs have already committed major long-term contracts to several cornerstone players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive linemen Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, as well as offensive linemen Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. With limited cap flexibility, retaining McDuffie on a lucrative second contract would have been difficult.

Instead, the Chiefs will use the additional draft capital to strengthen their roster and extend their championship window around Mahomes. The move also continues a pattern for Kansas City, which has previously traded top defensive backs approaching their second contracts, including a deal two years ago that sent L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.

For the Rams, the acquisition aligns with a broader strategy to maximize their remaining championship window with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is entering his late 30s and recently earned the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. Los Angeles reached the NFC Championship Game last season before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Rams general manager Les Snead had previously acknowledged that the team needed to strengthen its cornerback group after struggling to find consistent play in the secondary throughout the season. The trade for McDuffie represents a decisive step in addressing that concern.

The Rams also maintain flexibility heading into the draft. The team still holds the 13th overall pick, acquired from the Atlanta Falcons last year, and has enough salary-cap space to support a long-term contract for an elite cornerback.

The move also marks a homecoming for McDuffie. Raised in the Los Angeles area, he attended St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower before playing college football at the University of Washington. His former college coach, Jimmy Lake, now serves as the Rams’ defensive backs coach.

McDuffie’s ability to play multiple roles in the secondary makes him an ideal fit for the Rams’ defensive system. Los Angeles recently re-signed safety Quentin Lake, who fills the versatile “star” position previously held by former All-Pro Jalen Ramsey.

In four NFL seasons, McDuffie has recorded three interceptions and 5.5 sacks. According to NextGenStats, he leads all cornerbacks with 34 quarterback pressures and has forced eight fumbles, underscoring his impact as both a coverage defender and disruptive playmaker.

If finalized, the trade could become one of the most significant defensive moves of the offseason, strengthening a Rams roster that is determined to contend for another championship in the years ahead.