What the Kansas City Chiefs opt to do with cornerback Trent McDuffie will be one of the greater focuses of their offseason. They picked up his fifth-year option, and he is set to play on that in 2026. We know that the Chiefs and McDuffie’s camp discussed a contract extension before the 2025 season kicked off. In the end, nothing new materialized.
We have seen the Chiefs avoid paying and extending homegrown cornerbacks for many years. It seemed like McDuffie was the one who could possibly break that mold. A new deal with Kansas City cannot be ruled out, but it feels like he is going to be playing elsewhere in 2026 with each passing day.
There was a recent trade proposal involving McDuffie. Bleacher Report released some big-time names that could get moved via trade this offseason. On their list, they have McDuffie going to the Los Angeles Rams.
How realistic is this trade for both teams involved? Plus, how could the Rams make sense as a potential landing spot for McDuffie?
How a Trent McDuffie trade would impact Rams
You could argue that if the Rams had received better secondary play late in the regular season and in the playoffs, they would have been the team representing the NFC in Super Bowl LX. They were so close after being one of the more complete teams for most of the season. Overall, the secondary has been a question mark for the last few years in L.A.
They have either relied on older players who may not have the same juice and athleticism they once possessed, or the Rams have made unique bets on outlier players who do not meet typical size thresholds for the position (i.e., Emmanuel Forbes this year).
By landing McDuffie, you get a mix of youth and athleticism that has been missing. Plus, he would be able to improve the overall instincts of the back end. The Rams would be getting a top-flight option in McDuffie, allowing them to address other roster needs.
How trading Trent McDuffie would impact the Chiefs
The Chiefs already have several defensive backs due for free agency this offseason. If they were to officially move on from McDuffie in a trade, it would further increase the number of bodies they would need to add in the secondary.
That is a tall task to complete in one offseason. However, Kansas City has done that before. McDuffie’s 2022 draft class saw the Chiefs select five total defensive backs. Most of those investments paid off in a big way. K.C. would have plenty of confidence going down that path again if needed. They have typically received serviceable play from defensive backs acquired with lower assets.
The Chiefs are obviously still looking to compete for a long time. But as far as the Rams are concerned, they have a limited window left with quarterback Matthew Stafford. With only a few bites at the apple remaining in his career, the time to strike is now for Los Angeles. That makes the combination of McDuffie filling a team need and becoming a key piece worth betting on in this hypothetical trade.
There is also a unique moment in which the Rams have plenty of salary cap space at their disposal. In any trade for McDuffie, he would be paid handsomely on an extension, something Los Angeles can easily afford.
You also have the rarity of the Rams holding two first-round picks under Les Snead. After fleecing the Atlanta Falcons for a pick that ended up being 13th overall, he may be willing to part with their own selection at 29th overall.
Bleacher Report lists the Chiefs receiving a 2026 first-round pick in return. It is definitely possible that Kansas City could get a first-rounder back, but it is not a guarantee. A second-round pick could be more likely, with additional assets attached, depending on the acquiring team. Of all the teams, though, the Rams may arguably be the most willing to part with a late first-round pick for McDuffie’s services.
If possible, this is absolutely a trade that K.C. should agree to. Getting another first-round pick in a year where you already own a top-10 selection would present a rare chance to add potentially three young impact players in the top 40 while already having a franchise quarterback. Of all the trade scenarios, this one could easily generate the most excitement.