NFL news: Rams land Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie in blockbuster trade

As the NFL free agency period looms, the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs made one of the biggest moves so far this month.

All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie is returning to his home state of California, according to ESPN.

The 25-year-old was traded to the Rams by the Chiefs in exchange for a package of future draft picks.

The Rams sent the No. 29 selection in next month’s draft to Kansas City and a fifth- and sixth-round pick in 2026. The Chiefs also reportedly took a third-round pick in the 2027 draft.

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is pushed out of bounds by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half on October 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

This impending decision recalls a prediction McDuffie alluded to before the start of last season. At an August 2025 back-to-school event, the defensive back said he wouldn’t mind joining the Rams if he was no longer with the Chiefs.

“You’re going to get me in trouble,” he said, smiling. “Let’s think about it. If I could play for any other team, I would probably want to play near my family, so it would probably be the Los Angeles Rams so my family could come and watch every game.”

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half of the 2025 Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome. (Mandatory credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

McDuffie spent the first four seasons of his professional football career with the Chiefs. He has one year remaining on his rookie contract. ESPN also reported, citing sources, that McDuffie and the Rams would likely work toward an agreement on a contract extension.

The Chiefs picked up the fifth-year option as part of McDuffie’s deal in April 2025, which fully guaranteed his salary for the 2026 campaign.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) catches a touchdown pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) defends during the second half on December 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

News of the move sparked reactions across the league, including from McDuffie’s soon-to-be former teammate Patrick Mahomes, who simply wrote “damn” in an article on X.

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McDuffie was born in Washington, California, about 31 miles from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where the Rams play their home games. He earned second-team All-Pro honors after an outstanding 2024 season, finishing with two steals and 13 assists.

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