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Chiefs Defensive Players Upset Over Trent McDuffie Trade
Kansas City dealt the star cornerback to the Los Angeles Rams, angering the team's defensive unit.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The Kansas City Chiefs have traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, a move that has reportedly upset the team's defensive players. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo noted that the Chiefs' defensive side of the ball is not happy about the trade, as McDuffie was seen as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also expressed disappointment over the trade on social media.
Why it matters
The trade of McDuffie is part of the Chiefs' efforts to create salary cap space this offseason after going 6-11 in 2025. However, the move has angered the team's defensive players, who valued McDuffie's contributions to the unit. This could create tension within the locker room as the Chiefs look to rebound in 2026.
The details
The Chiefs traded McDuffie, who was set to play the 2026 season on a $13.63 million fifth-year option, in exchange for multiple draft picks, including the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team was clearly not willing to give McDuffie the long-term contract he was seeking, which would have made him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.
- The trade was announced on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
The players
Trent McDuffie
A star cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
Patrick Mahomes
The quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who expressed disappointment over the trade of Trent McDuffie on social media.
What they’re saying
“Folks on the defensive side of the ball not happy as well. This is a tough one for a lot of folks there because of what Trent McDuffie meant to that defense and how many people think he's one of the top cornerbacks in the league. Certainly the Rams, getting ready to pay him like one.”
— Mike Garafolo, NFL Network Analyst (Good Morning Football)
“One word.”
— Patrick Mahomes (Twitter)
What’s next
The Chiefs will need to address the defensive backfield in the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency period to replace the loss of Trent McDuffie.
The takeaway
The trade of Trent McDuffie has created tension within the Kansas City Chiefs' locker room, as the team's defensive players are upset over the loss of one of the league's top cornerbacks. This move is part of the Chiefs' efforts to create salary cap space, but it could come at the cost of team chemistry as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
