Rams Acquiring All-Pro Cornerback Trent McDuffie From Chiefs

The Los Angeles Rams are arguably one of the best-positioned teams in the entire NFL to build a Super Bowl contender for next season. They were a couple plays away from representing the NFC in the Super Bowl last season — ultimately losing to the champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game — but have incredible flexibility heading into the offseason.

They are slated to have $42 million in cap space according to Spotrac. They also have two first-round picks — the 13th and 29th overall — courtesy of a 2025 draft night trade with the Atlanta Falcons. With all that flexibility, many wondered what general manager Les Snead and company would have up their sleeves.

That question has been answered quickly, as the Rams are reportedly in the final stages of a deal that would land All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie for the 29th overall pick and other future draft capital, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:

ESPN sources: the Chiefs and Rams are working on a blockbuster trade that would send All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles for a package that would include the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

McDuffie would be expected to sign a long-term deal with… pic.twitter.com/qM4EIIaR5a

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2026

Schefter also reports that the Rams are sending fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2026, as well as a third-round pick in 2027:

Full trade, per source:

Rams receive:
CB Trent McDuffie

Chiefs receive:
1st-round pick, No. 29
5th
6th
2027- 3rd

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2026

This falls perfectly in line with what Snead said recently about the prospect of dealing future picks in exchange for impact players, via Wyatt Miller of TheRams.com:

With two first-round picks, will the Rams choose to load up for a Super Bowl run to maximize Stafford’s remaining years or start planning for the future? Snead said both strategies are on the table.

“Whether it’s the first rounders, whether it’s the Day 2 (picks), whether it’s future picks it’s, hey, try to use them on a player that’s going to give us an edge, make an impact,” Snead said. “We like to call it an edge. What edge does that player give this version of the Rams?”

Snead has never been shy about trading away picks to make the Rams better. L.A. has drafted in the first round exactly one time since 2016, and that was Verse in 2024. Snead has had more drafts since 2016 in which he didn’t pick until the third round (2) than drafts where he picked in the first round (1).

McDuffie undoubtedly qualifies as an impact player worth trading a first for. In four NFL seasons, he has made two All-Pro teams — one first and one second — and is just 25 years old. Given the Rams’ struggles in the secondary last season, this is a massive addition.

Rams among teams keeping tabs on Maxx Crosby

Another definite impact player that may or may not be available this offseason is Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. There have been conflicting reports about whether or not he wants out or if the Raiders would trade him, so the Rams are doing their due diligence and keeping tabs on the situation.