The Kansas City Chiefs have already had a busy offseason after going 6-11 and missing the playoffs in 2025. Several big moves include releasing defensive end Mike Danna and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, while restructuring Patrick Mahomes' contract.
With two veterans already gone, another may be joining them soon. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, a former 2022 first-round pick from the Washington Huskies, wrapped up his fourth season with the Chiefs.
He started 13 games, allowing 38 completions for 365 yards, four touchdowns and a 95.5 passer rating on 60 targets. He was also responsible for 63 tackles, seven pass deflections and one interception. The 25-year-old finished the season as the 11th-highest graded cornerback (75.6), according to Pro Football Focus.
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However, he's set to play the 2026 season under a fifth-year option, earning a guaranteed $13.9 million. With Kansas City still $8.5 million over the cap, the two-time Super Bowl champion has been speculated as a potential trade piece.
Ayrton Ostly of USA Today predicts that the Chiefs will trade McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.
"Los Angeles’ needs at cornerback were exposed at times in the playoffs and they have an extra first-round pick this year," Ostly wrote. "If they don’t want to use that to find Matthew Stafford’s successor or another piece to develop, they could maximize Stafford’s post-MVP year with a splash trade."
The Rams struggled in coverage last season, ranking 19th in both passing yards allowed per game (216.7) and passing touchdowns allowed (26). Acquiring McDuffie, a 2023 First-Team All-Pro selection, would give the secondary a proven veteran.
If the Chiefs don't intend to give him an extension, moving him now instead of waiting for him to walk in free agency after the 2026 season would make sense. McDuffie is already projected to earn a four-year, $111.4 million deal, according to Spotrac.