Rams Eye Bold Move for Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie in Potential Offseason Trade
The Los Angeles Rams have never been shy about making splashy moves to chase a championship-and it looks like they might be gearing up for another one. This time, the buzz is around a potential trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, a young star with the kind of skill set that could immediately elevate a Rams secondary that showed some real cracks this past season.
Let’s break it down.
Rams’ Secondary: A Clear Weak Spot
The Rams made a solid playoff push this year, but their Wild Card outing exposed a glaring vulnerability. They gave up a combined 215 receiving yards on 14 catches to Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan-two receivers who, while talented, shouldn’t be putting up those kinds of numbers in a postseason game. That performance underlined what’s been an ongoing issue: L.A. needs help in the secondary, and they need it now.
Enter McDuffie.
Why McDuffie Makes Sense for L.A.
McDuffie isn’t just any corner. He’s a high-level cover man with the ability to play press-man and move around the secondary-a rare combination in today’s NFL.
He’s shown he can hang with the best, and at just 25, he’s still entering his prime. He’s also been a key piece of a Chiefs defense that’s played in three Super Bowls in four years.
That kind of big-game experience isn’t just a bonus-it’s exactly what the Rams need if they want to make another deep playoff run.
And here’s the kicker: the Rams have the cap flexibility to make it happen. With $81.5 million in space, they could not only trade for McDuffie but also lock him up long-term-potentially with a deal that resets the cornerback market. That’s a bold move, but if any team has shown they’re willing to bet big on proven talent, it’s the Rams.
Why the Chiefs Might Actually Deal Him
Kansas City isn’t known for handing out second contracts to corners, even elite ones. McDuffie and the Chiefs reportedly tried to work out an extension before the season but couldn’t reach a deal. Now, with McDuffie set to play on his fifth-year option in 2026 and the Chiefs facing some cap challenges of their own, there’s a real possibility they’d be open to moving him-especially if the return includes a first-round pick.
And for the Rams? Giving up a first-rounder is nothing new.
They went eight years without one before finally making a pick last year. If they believe McDuffie is the missing piece, it’s a price they’re probably more than willing to pay.
The Stafford Window Is Closing
This isn’t just about fixing the secondary-it’s about maximizing the final years of Matthew Stafford’s career. The reigning MVP is still playing at an elite level, but at 38, the clock is ticking.
The Rams know this. They’ve built their recent identity around aggressive, win-now moves, and adding a lockdown corner like McDuffie fits that mold perfectly.
He’s young, battle-tested, and versatile. He fills a critical need. And most importantly, he gives the Rams a better shot at making another Super Bowl run before Stafford hangs it up.
Bottom Line
A trade for Trent McDuffie would be a statement. It would say the Rams aren’t content with just making the playoffs-they want to win it all, and they’re willing to keep swinging big to make it happen. With the cap space to absorb a new contract and a history of dealing first-round picks for proven stars, L.A. is uniquely positioned to make this kind of move.
If it happens, it won’t just be another flashy trade-it could be the one that puts the Rams back in the Super Bowl conversation.