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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, with the Chiefs receiving a package of future draft picks in return.
The Rams sent the No. 29 selection in next month’s draft to Kansas City, along with a fifth- and sixth-rounder 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 of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The move echoes 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 in Super Bowl LIX 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 last April, 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 of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Dell was injured during the play. (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.
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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