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Chiefs trade away star cornerback Trent McDuffie
Kansas City gets strong return in draft picks for 2022 and 2023 Super Bowl champion
Mar. 5, 2026 at 7:18pm
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The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to trade cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. McDuffie was a key part of the Chiefs' defense that won back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023, but the team was able to get a strong return in draft picks, including a first-rounder this year, a fifth-rounder, a sixth-rounder, and a third-rounder in 2027. The Chiefs now have to focus on rebuilding their secondary, with cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook set to hit free agency.
Why it matters
Trent McDuffie was arguably the second-best defender on the Chiefs' championship teams, behind only defensive tackle Chris Jones. His departure leaves a major hole in the secondary that the team will need to address through free agency and the draft. The Chiefs will have to make tough decisions on whether to re-sign Watson or Cook, or look to replace them with new talent.
The details
The Chiefs received the following in the trade with the Rams: the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick, and a third-round pick in 2027. This gives the Chiefs additional draft capital to help rebuild their secondary. Cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook are both set to hit free agency, and the team will have to decide whether to re-sign one or both of them or look to replace them through the draft and free agency.
- On March 5, 2026, the Chiefs agreed to trade Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.
The players
Trent McDuffie
A cornerback who was a key part of the Chiefs' defense that won back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023.
Jaylen Watson
A cornerback for the Chiefs who is set to hit free agency and could be re-signed by the team.
Bryan Cook
A safety for the Chiefs who is set to hit free agency and could be re-signed by the team.
Chris Jones
The defensive tackle who was the best defender on the Chiefs' championship teams.
Brett Veach
The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs who made the decision to trade Trent McDuffie.
What they’re saying
“Trent McDuffie was a tremendous player who could play multiple positions in different schemes and deserves appreciation from Chiefs Kingdom.”
— Nate Christensen, Writer
“It could be argued that trading up to draft McDuffie was essential to winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 2022 and 2023.”
— Nate Christensen, Writer
What’s next
The Chiefs will need to decide whether to re-sign cornerback Jaylen Watson or safety Bryan Cook, or look to replace them through the draft and free agency. They have additional draft capital from the trade, including the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, to help rebuild their secondary.
The takeaway
The trade of Trent McDuffie, a key part of the Chiefs' championship defenses, leaves a major hole in their secondary that the team will need to address this offseason. The return in draft picks gives them flexibility, but they will have tough decisions to make on their own free agents and how to best use their new draft capital.
