Kansas City Chiefs defensive star Trent McDuffie, an expensive veteran, is at the center of trade speculation, and his latest move has created buzz that a deal could be near.
McDuffie has a $13.6 million club option for the 2026 season that was already accepted, though in a year, he is expected to hit free agency, when he will become quite expensive for a perennial contender.
With the Chiefs facing a tough salary cap puzzle now and in the future, McDuffie is seen as a player who can return value and help balance the sheet.
Amid the chatter about him getting dealt, McDuffie was spotted in Los Angeles for a Lakers game, something that could be nothing or a hint at a move coming down the pipeline.
The Los Angeles Rams have been the team many around the league think will land McDuffie, due to their surplus of first-round picks and a win-now urgency to address their secondary needs.
The Chiefs could use the first-round pick to parlay it into a trade down for even more capital, or just flat-out add another player, and there are plenty of needs on the roster.
They can use some offensive weapons, defensive line help, and linebacker help, along with young corners, especially without McDuffie.
McDuffie Links to Rams
In the past, McDuffie has highlighted the Rams as a team that he would like to play for, other than the Chiefs.
"If I could play for another team, I'd probably want to play close to my family," McDuffie told the crowd during an event in August 2025.
"So, that'll probably be the LA Rams, so that my family can come see every single game."
Considering his ties to the city and the Rams’ needs, the cornerback could be a perfect fit for a team that needs secondary help. McDuffie can play all over the field, though his strongest role tends to be as a slot corner, a role that has become more important in the NFL over the years.
While it would hurt to lose a talented player, the Chiefs get to do a more complete retooling with Patrick Mahomes firmly in his prime.
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