Rams Bolster Secondary with McDuffie, Watson Signings

Los Angeles adds two top cornerbacks in free agency to shore up defensive weaknesses

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams have made a pair of high-profile moves in free agency, trading for Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs and signing his former teammate Jaylen Watson. The Rams are looking to bounce back after falling short against the rival Seattle Seahawks in two key matchups last season, and they believe the additions of McDuffie and Watson will significantly upgrade their secondary and help them contend for a Super Bowl title.

Why it matters

The Rams' secondary was a major weakness last season, contributing to their losses against the Seahawks. By landing McDuffie and Watson, the Rams have transformed that liability into a strength, pairing two talented young cornerbacks who already have chemistry from playing together in Kansas City. This move puts the Rams in prime position to challenge the Seahawks for NFC supremacy.

The details

The Rams traded a first-round pick to acquire McDuffie, then signed him to a record-breaking four-year, $124 million contract to make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. They followed that up by signing his former Chiefs teammate Watson in free agency, sending multiple draft picks to Kansas City to reunite the duo in Los Angeles. The Rams' aggressive approach to upgrading their secondary underscores their determination to dethrone the Seahawks after falling just short last season.

  • The Rams traded for Trent McDuffie in early March 2026.
  • The Rams signed Jaylen Watson on the first day of free agency in March 2026.

The players

Trent McDuffie

A Pro Bowl cornerback who the Rams acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade, making him the highest-paid player at his position.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who the Rams signed in free agency after he played the past four seasons with Trent McDuffie in Kansas City.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who is looking to lead his team back to the Super Bowl after falling short against the Seahawks last season.

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams, who will benefit from the team's improved secondary.

Chris Shula

The defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, who will have more flexibility to scheme with the additions of McDuffie and Watson.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Rams will look to integrate McDuffie and Watson into their defense during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having them ready to shut down opposing passing attacks when the 2026 season kicks off.

The takeaway

The Rams' aggressive moves to upgrade their secondary show their determination to dethrone the Seahawks and win another Super Bowl. By pairing two elite cornerbacks in McDuffie and Watson, the Rams have transformed a weakness into a strength and positioned themselves as one of the favorites to win it all next season.