The Kansas City Chiefs have traded standout cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for four draft picks.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City will receive the No. 29 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a fifth- and sixth-round pick this year and a 2027 third-rounder. The move clears $13.6 million from the Chiefs’ salary cap. McDuffie, who was entering the final year of his rookie deal after the team exercised his fifth-year option, is expected to sign a long-term contract in Los Angeles.
The 25-year-old McDuffie was originally selected 21st overall in 2022 after Kansas City traded up to get him. Over four seasons, he developed into one of the league’s premier defensive backs, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and second-team recognition in 2024. Across 55 starts, he recorded three interceptions, 34 pass breakups and 246 tackles, while defending at least seven passes each season. He also forced five fumbles in 2023.
McDuffie’s departure echoes previous high-profile decisions by general manager Brett Veach. In 2022, the Chiefs traded wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins for a haul of picks that helped sustain their championship window. A year ago, they also moved corner L’Jarius Sneed rather than commit major money at the position.
Kansas City has recently invested heavily in extensions for core players such as defensive tackle Chris Jones, center Creed Humphrey, guard Trey Smith and linebacker Nick Bolton, leaving limited room for another massive deal. Conversations with McDuffie’s agency about a new contract had taken place, but his price tag ultimately proved too steep.
Fresh off a 12-5 season, the trade fills a major need for the Rams. Fresh off a 12-5 season and an NFC Championship Game appearance that ended in a narrow loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles adds a proven, versatile defensive back entering his prime. McDuffie, a Southern California native, also reunites with Rams assistant coach Jimmy Lake, who coached him at the University of Washington.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season — their first playoff miss of the Patrick Mahomes era — and appear focused on reshaping the roster through draft capital as Mahomes rehabs a torn ACL. Reacting to the trade on social media, the quarterback summed up the surprise in a single word: “Damn.”
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