Chiefs, Rams Negotiating Trade Deal for Star Cornerback McDuffie

The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams are in discussions to trade All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to LA for multiple draft picks. The deal would address the Rams' biggest defensive weakness while giving Kansas City valuable draft assets to build around Patrick Mahomes.

LOS ANGELES — Two NFL franchises are currently negotiating a significant player transaction that would send Kansas City’s standout defensive back Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in return for multiple draft selections, according to two individuals familiar with the discussions who spoke to The Associated Press.

These sources requested anonymity Wednesday as the agreement has not reached completion. Kansas City is anticipated to receive the 29th selection in this year’s draft, while ESPN has reported that Los Angeles will package fifth and sixth-round choices this spring along with a third-round selection for next year.

This transaction would address Los Angeles’ most pressing roster deficiency by bringing an exceptional cornerback to their struggling defensive backfield. The Rams ranked 19th league-wide in defending against the pass last season, hampering the efforts of their solid front seven and the NFL’s top-scoring offensive unit.

McDuffie has captured two Super Bowl titles and established himself as an outstanding coverage specialist who also demonstrated skill at rushing the quarterback and delivering impactful tackles throughout his initial four professional seasons. He earned first-team Associated Press All-Pro recognition in 2023 and second-team honors in 2024.

Selected in the opening round during 2022, McDuffie will play under his final rookie deal season and earn $13.6 million this year, although Los Angeles is likely already pursuing a long-term extension.

Kansas City would have faced challenges accommodating McDuffie’s extended contract within their spending limitations, having already committed substantial money to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive players Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, plus offensive linemen Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.

Using this additional draft compensation, the Chiefs aim to create another championship opportunity for Mahomes by strengthening the roster surrounding him. Kansas City will also maintain their recent pattern of trading away top defensive backs when they become eligible for second contracts: Two seasons ago, the organization sent L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee.

Los Angeles’ cornerback situation represented an obvious weakness on last year’s talented squad, which advanced to the NFC championship before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Following unsuccessful attempts to acquire meaningful secondary assistance during the campaign, general manager Les Snead stated last month that cornerback was “a position group that we’ll attack over the next few weeks.”

Snead is executing that plan through a characteristic Rams move, utilizing draft resources to strengthen a roster seeking to maximize its remaining opportunities with 38-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford, who recently earned his first NFL MVP recognition.

Significantly, Los Angeles retains the 13th overall selection in the approaching draft after obtaining it from Atlanta last year. They also possess the financial flexibility to support an elite cornerback’s salary demands.

This move would bring McDuffie back to his roots, as he was raised in Los Angeles’ surrounding communities and attended St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower. McDuffie subsequently played at the University of Washington under head coach Jimmy Lake, who currently serves as the Rams’ defensive backs coach.

McDuffie matches Los Angeles’ preferred profile for cornerbacks who perform effectively in various defensive capacities. The Rams have already retained safety Quentin Lake, who handles the adaptable “star” position previously filled by former All-Pro Jalen Ramsey.

Throughout his professional career, McDuffie has recorded three interceptions and 5.5 sacks. According to NextGenStats, he leads all cornerbacks with 34 quarterback pressures and eight forced fumbles across his four seasons.