The Los Angeles Rams have been walking a tightrope all season when it comes to their secondary. One week it looks like a unit that can hang with the best in the league, the next it’s giving up chunk plays and leaving fans wondering if reinforcements are coming. That inconsistency has become the defining trait of the Rams’ defensive backfield - and it’s wearing thin.
The front office knows it. They’ve been tweaking, adjusting, and hoping something sticks. But now, with the postseason spotlight getting hotter and the window around Matthew Stafford still cracked open, the Rams may need to swing bigger.
Enter Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie.
A recent trade proposal suggests the Rams could offer a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to pry McDuffie from Kansas City. On the surface, that’s a hefty price for a player coming off a season-ending knee injury. But dig a little deeper, and it’s not hard to see why this might be the kind of calculated risk that makes sense for both sides.
Why McDuffie?
McDuffie is 25 years old, already has All-Pro credentials, and plays one of the most valuable positions in today’s NFL. His ability to mirror receivers, play physical at the line, and hold his own in space makes him a difference-maker - the kind of player who can tilt a defense.
Yes, he’s coming off a knee injury that cut his 2025 season short in Week 14, and yes, that brings medical questions. But if he checks out, this is a player who could instantly elevate a Rams secondary that’s been more patchwork than powerhouse.
And here’s the key: McDuffie is still on his rookie deal. So while it might be a one-year rental, the Rams would have flexibility.
If it doesn’t work out, they can let him walk in free agency. If it does, they’ve got the inside track on re-signing a proven corner in his prime.
Why the Chiefs might deal him
Kansas City is coming off a rare down year - a 6-11 finish that mirrors the Rams’ own 2022 struggles. And while the Chiefs still have plenty of talent, they’re also facing a cap crunch and the loss of 30 free agents. A soft reset might be in order, and a first-round pick could be the kind of asset that helps them reload quickly and affordably.
From that perspective, moving McDuffie isn’t about giving up. It’s about reshaping the roster with younger, cheaper talent - and a first-rounder gives them a shot at a premium player on a rookie deal. With the cap situation what it is, that kind of move has real appeal.
Why the Chiefs might hold onto him
Of course, there’s a flip side. If you're Kansas City, and you believe you can bounce back quickly, why part ways with one of your best young defenders?
McDuffie could be a cornerstone in a retooled defense. Trading him would mean betting big on your ability to find an equal or better player in the draft - and that’s never guaranteed, especially at cornerback.
Why the Rams might pull the trigger
This is where things get interesting. The Rams have four cornerbacks set to hit free agency - Ahkello Witherspoon, Roger McCreary, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick.
Even if they bring one or two back, there’s no guarantee the coverage improves. McDuffie could be their Jalen Ramsey 2.0 - a lockdown corner who changes the way opponents game-plan.
And with Stafford still under center and playing at a high level, the Rams are in win-now mode. If they believe they have another Super Bowl run in them, adding a player like McDuffie makes a ton of sense. It’s a swing for the fences, but it’s the kind of swing that can pay off in February.
Why the Rams might pass
Here’s the hesitation: Les Snead hasn’t exactly made a habit of using first-round picks, but when he does, he’s hit. Jared Verse was a standout selection, and the Rams have found value in later rounds too - including both Durant and Kendrick, who were Day 3 picks in 2022. That kind of draft success gives Snead confidence he can reload without giving up premium capital.
Then there’s the injury factor. The Rams have already taken a chance on a once-elite corner trying to bounce back - Tre’Davious White - and it didn’t pan out. That experience could make them wary of going down a similar road with McDuffie, especially if they’re not 100% confident in his recovery.
It’s also worth noting that Snead might have his eye on a top rookie corner in the upcoming draft. That first-round pick could be the ticket to landing a younger, cheaper, and potentially healthier player to build around.
What’s next?
This isn’t a deal that needs to happen tomorrow. But it’s the kind of move that could be seriously considered depending on how the Rams’ postseason shakes out.
If the secondary falters, the urgency to fix it will only grow. If it holds up, maybe the front office leans more toward continuity and internal development.
Either way, expect the Rams to be aggressive. That’s been their DNA under Snead and Sean McVay. And if they believe McDuffie is the missing piece to another championship puzzle, don’t be surprised if they make the call.
For now, it’s a situation worth watching - because if the Rams want to take another shot at a title, shoring up the secondary might be the first step.