Chiefs Trade All-Pro Corner Trent McDuffie to Rams

Kansas City receives four draft picks in the deal as they look to reshape roster through the draft

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs have traded standout cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for four draft picks, including the Rams' first-round selection in 2026. The move clears $13.6 million from the Chiefs' salary cap as they look to invest in their core players and rebuild through the draft after a disappointing 6-11 season.

Why it matters

The trade of McDuffie, a 2022 first-round pick who developed into an All-Pro cornerback, signals a shift in the Chiefs' roster-building strategy as they look to sustain their championship window around Patrick Mahomes. It also fills a major need for the Rams, who are coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance.

The details

Per the trade, the Chiefs will receive the Rams' 2026 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), along with a fifth-round pick in 2023, a sixth-round pick in 2023, and a 2027 third-round selection. McDuffie, who was entering the final year of his rookie deal, is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Rams.

  • The trade was announced on March 5, 2026.

The players

Trent McDuffie

A 25-year-old cornerback who was a first-round pick of the Chiefs in 2022 and developed into an All-Pro player over his first four NFL seasons.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has made several high-profile roster moves in recent years to reshape the team's championship-contending roster.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is currently rehabbing a torn ACL injury.

Jimmy Lake

An assistant coach for the Los Angeles Rams who previously coached Trent McDuffie at the University of Washington.

Adam Schefter

An ESPN reporter who broke the news of the trade details.

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What they’re saying

“Damn.”

— Patrick Mahomes (Twitter)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to use the draft capital acquired in the trade to address other needs on their roster and continue to build around Patrick Mahomes, while the Rams add a proven cornerback to their defense as they aim to make another deep playoff run.

The takeaway

This trade represents a strategic shift for the Chiefs as they look to reshape their roster through the draft, while the Rams capitalize on the opportunity to add a top-tier cornerback to their defense. It's a high-profile move that will have significant implications for both teams going forward.